U.S. authorities have once again offered Kiev two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates free of charge from ships still held in reserve by the U. S. Navy.

The vessels in question are Halyburton (FF-40) and Kauffman (FF-59). Both had previously been offered to Ukraine in 2017 and 2018, and again in 2022–2023. The transfer of the aging ships is expected to take place under the U. S. Excess Defense Articles program.

Military analysts believe Washington is unlikely to hand the frigates over to Kiev before active hostilities end. Even then, the age of the ships and the condition of their equipment could once again make the offer unattractive to the Ukrainian side. Around 70% of the frigates’ internal components are reportedly no longer replaceable.

Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships were designed as ocean-going escort frigates. Their main roles included anti-submarine and air defense protection for transport convoys, anti-submarine groups and amphibious formations.

A total of 71 ships of this class were built between 1975 and 2004. The U. S. Navy has fully retired the type, although frigates of the class remain in service with several other countries.