“Hetman Ivan Mazepa“ (F 211) – the Ukrainian “Ada”-class corvette

“Hetman Ivan Mazepa” (ship number F211) is an “Ada”-class anti-submarine warfare corvette, built by Turkey for Ukraine at the Istanbul Shipyard. It is intended to serve as the flagship of the Ukrainian Navy. It is supposed to replace the frigate “Hetman Sahaidachnyj” (ship number F130), which was sunk by Ukrainian troops to avoid capture in Mykolaiv (March 2–3, 2022) after the Russian Federation's invasion in Ukraine. The corvette's keel was laid in September 2021. On October 2, 2022, the official launching ceremony of the corvette took place at the Istanbul Shipyard. According to the agreement, signed by the Ukrainian and Turkish governments, Turkey will build the first ship at its factories to 80% readiness, and then the corvette will be completed in Ukraine. The second (and subsequent) ships were to be built at the “Okean” company's factories in Ukraine with the participation of Turkish specialists. Thus, a gradual transfer of technology was to take place. In 2021 In September, the building of the first corvette for the Ukrainian Navy was laid, and at the end of December, its hull assembly began at a Turkish shipbuilding company. In January 2022 it was reported, that the first ship was 30% ready. It was planned, that the corvette would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of 2022, and the second ship in 2023, but, unfortunately, this was prevented by Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine, so it was decided to completely complete the ship at a Turkish shipyard, and the fate of the second (and subsequent) ship is still unknown. It was reported, that the ship's crew is already being formed, and a captain has also been appointed. Back in November 2021, Ukrainian Navy sailors were training on the Turkish “Ada”-class corvette TCG “Kınalıada” (F-514). On August 18, 2022 the President of Ukraine named the corvette "Hetman Ivan Mazepa". In August 2022 building was 70-80% complete. On September 17, 2022 photos of the practically completed ship's hull were published. On October 2, 2022 the official launching ceremony of the corvette took place at the Istanbul shipyard, with the participation of the First Lady of Ukraine. On July 2, 2023 the Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, stated, that the corvette "Hetman Ivan Mazepa" should join the Ukrainian Navy next year. On May 29, 2024 the corvette conducted its first sea trials. The published photos of the sea trials show, that the ship is already armed with a 76 mm “Super Rapid” naval artillery gun, manufactured by the Italian company “OTO Melara”. A military version of the Turkish 35 mm “Korkut” anti-aircraft platform, manufactured by “Aselsan”, is mounted above the helicopter hangar. Other products of the company on board “Mazepa” include 12.7 mm “STAMP” remotely controlled machine guns, mounted on both sides of the ship. Typical for “Ada” ships are the “Thales Sting EO” MK2 fire control radar, the “Aselsan” satellite communication system, the “ARES-2N” electronic warfare system and the Mk 36 “SRBOC” dipole jamming system. On November 9, 2024 the crew of the corvette “Hetman Ivan Mazepa” conducted tests of the ship's armament, including the “OTO Melara” and “Gokdeniz” installations. The Navy leadership added, that all previous technical comments on the ship were considered, and the modernization is focused on ensuring maximum efficiency and protection during combat.

A small, well-designed and richly detailed model for medium-experienced and experienced modelers. Where necessary, double-sided printing is used, there is a considerable reserve of colors, there are 3D drawings of individual parts of the ship and the general view - "photos". There are no textual instructions at all, but the graphical one is quite large, informative, clear and easy to read - I just want: all models to have one!!!