Defending the Dnipro River: Exclusive Coverage of Ukraine’s River Patrol Boat Fleet

Title: Ukrainian Forces Strengthen Defense of Strategic River Dnipro with New River Patrol Fleet

Published: 2023.06.24 Sat posted at 18:15 JST

Kyiv (CNN) – The Ukrainian military has established a specialized “river patrol boat” fleet to safeguard and defend the Dnipro River, one of Europe’s major waterways. The river plays a crucial role in regional water distribution, electricity supply, and acts as a natural barrier against Russian aggression.

While the Ukrainian military previously relied on equipment from the Soviet era and civilian ships modified for combat, it has recently received assistance from the United States, NATO member countries, and other donor nations.

According to the Pentagon, the United States alone has provided 62 patrol boats suitable for riverside and other patrol missions, including 18 Sea Ark Dauntless patrol boats.

These patrol boats, measuring approximately 10 meters in length, boast a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour and are equipped with three machine guns and a 40 mm howitzer launcher. Although lacking in armor, their exceptional speed and mobility serve as their primary defense against enemy fire.

Captain Anton, who commands one of the patrol boats, stated in a recent interview with CNN that their mission is to monitor all hostilities, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and riverside operations.

The Dnipro River stretches approximately 2,200 kilometers, making it the fourth largest river in Europe. Originating in Russia, it passes through Belarus and Ukraine before reaching the Black Sea. Within Ukraine, it runs near major cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and Kherson.

Moreover, the Dnipro River serves as the primary source of cooling water for Europe’s largest Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, located in Zaporizhia Oblast. The recent collapse of the Kahouka Dam in Kherson Oblast further highlights the river’s significance to communities and beyond.

Captain Anton emphasized the strategic importance of the Dnipro River, particularly following the dam’s collapse. Since February 24, 2022, no ships have been allowed to sail on the river, with all vessels currently undergoing inspection.

The biggest threat to the river’s security comes from Russia’s infiltration operations. After Russia launched a large-scale urban attack using Iranian-made drones, the Ukrainian forces were tasked with an additional mission. Russia has repeatedly targeted areas near the river’s surface with drones, attempting to evade Ukraine’s air defense and radar networks. As a result, the river patrol fleet has also taken on the responsibility of anti-aircraft defense.

This defensive measure prompted the creation of the river patrol fleet, which aims to intercept Iranian-made Shahed drones if they were to land.

During the early stages of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Navy lost control of the sea. However, Ukraine has effectively utilized surface-to-ship missiles provided by Western countries, such as the “Harpoon,” to reduce the threat from Russian naval forces along its coastal areas.

While effective countermeasures for seizing control of the Black Sea are still being developed, the front along the Dnipro River has witnessed a different outcome. Ukrainian forces successfully recaptured Kherson, the capital of Kherson Oblast, from Russian forces at the end of last year. Since then, Ukrainian special forces have utilized the Dnipro River to sabotage retreating Russian forces and establish positions on the east bank. It is also believed that they have secured a foothold on several islands along the river.

Currently, the river patrol boats operate in waters away from the main battlefields. However, they could potentially play a role in future operations. Captain Anton, in response to the interview, declared, “We are ready. If necessary, we will, of course, fight.”

The establishment of the river patrol boat fleet marks a significant step in defending the Dnipro River, ensuring the safety and security of Ukraine’s strategic waterway.

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2023-06-24 09:15:00

What is the strategic significance of the Dnipro River, especially after the collapse of the Kahouka Dam

Article Title: Ukraine Bolsters Defense of Critical Dnipro River with New River Patrol Fleet

Published: 2023.06.24 Sat posted at 18:15 JST

Kyiv (CNN) – Ukraine has strengthened its protection of the Dnipro River, an essential waterway in Europe, by establishing a specialized fleet of river patrol boats. The river plays a crucial role in regional water distribution, power supply, and acts as a natural barrier against potential Russian aggression.

Previously relying on outdated Soviet-era equipment and modified civilian vessels, the Ukrainian military has received support from the United States, NATO member countries, and other donors in establishing the new fleet.

The United States has contributed 62 river patrol boats suitable for various patrol missions, including 18 Sea Ark Dauntless patrol boats, according to the Pentagon.

These patrol boats, which are about 10 meters long, can reach speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour. They are armed with three machine guns and a 40mm howitzer launcher, although they lack armor and primarily rely on speed and mobility for defense against enemy fire.

Captain Anton, the commander of one of the patrol boats, stated in a recent CNN interview that their mission is to monitor all types of hostilities, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and riverside operations.

The Dnipro River stretches approximately 2,200 kilometers, making it the fourth largest river in Europe. It originates in Russia, flows through Belarus and Ukraine, and finally reaches the Black Sea. Along its route, the river passes major cities, such as Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia, and Kherson.

Furthermore, the Dnipro River is the primary source of cooling water for the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, the largest power plant in Europe, located in Zaporizhia Oblast. The recent collapse of the Kahouka Dam in Kherson Oblast has further emphasized the river’s importance to communities and beyond.

Captain Anton emphasized the strategic significance of the Dnipro River, particularly after the dam’s collapse. Since February 24, 2022, no ships have been allowed to navigate the river, with all vessels currently undergoing inspection.

The main threat to the river’s security comes from infiltration operations by Russia.