The future flagship of the Ukrainian Navy, the corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa, whose hull is made of steel that was manufactured at Illich Steel and Iron Works and Azovstal of the Metinvest Group before the full-scale war, has begun sea trials.

According to the Metinvest Group press release, on October 16, the Ukrainian Navy released a video of Hetman Ivan Mazepa undergoing sea trials. In particular, a torpedo was launched from the corvette, and helicopter landing training was also conducted. Hetman Ivan Mazepa undergoing sea trials.

It is noted that Hetman Ivan Mazepa went down in history even before its launch, the basis of the future fleet of the Ukrainian Navy, the first Ada-class corvette, is made of steel from the Mariupol Metinvest plants, participants in the defense of Mariupol.

According to the press release, in September 2021, the corvette was laid down at the Turkish shipbuilding company Marine Shipyard. Metinvest transferred 1,000 tonnes of hot-rolled sheet for the production of the corvette. Part of the batch was brought directly from Mariupol, the other – from the Italian Metinvest Trametal, where rolled products were made from Azovstal slabs.

In February 2022, the Mariupol plants ceased operations. Months of enemy siege, daily bombing and shelling followed. Azovstal has become a symbol of the invincibility and resilience of Ukrainians, and the pre-war steel of the Mariupol plants has found a new life.

"Many outstanding structures were built from Azovstal steel – the newest shelter over the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe, and protective gateways for Venice. The lion's share of the Ukrainian army is also our steel. And the modern corvette Hetman Ivan Mazepa is also made of Mariupol steel. It is truly incredible that the Mariupol metallurgical plants, even now after destruction, continue to work for the victory of Ukraine," Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov said.

On October 2, 2022, Hetman Ivan Mazepa was ceremoniously launched in Istanbul. Two years later, the corvette went to sea for sea trials.

Corvette is a class of multi-purpose warships of the near sea zone, designed for patrol and convoy service, anti-submarine and air defense of naval bases and basing points. One of the most numerous classes of modern warships. Class and type: Ada-class corvette. Side number: F211, length: 99.5 meters, width: 14.4 meters, speed: 29 knots. Cruising range: 1,000 miles at 29 knots, 3,500 miles at 15 knots. Crew: 93 people, including officers; up to 106 people if necessary.

Ada-class corvettes are modern coastal zone ships, carry out anti-submarine operations and patrol in the open sea. Their design widely uses stealth technology principles – reducing visibility in radar, infrared and other surveillance spectra.

The first ship of this type was built at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard in 2008. At that time, it cost about $260 million. The vessel is driven by a power plant consisting of a 31,000 horsepower gas turbine and two 5,790 hp diesel engines. The design and combat use of the Ada-class corvette are similar to the American Freedom-class coastal ships developed by Lockheed Martin. However, the Turkish-designed boats have more powerful weapons, radar and sonar systems, while the American ones are faster and their design is modular, according to the report.