The programme will develop both the Long Range Multipurpose and the Full Combat Multipurpose versions
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has launched with a consortium led by Naviris and gathering Fincantieri, Navantia, Naval Group, and other Greek, Danish and Norwegian companies the first phase of the so-called European Patrol Corvette (EPC) on 24 October at OCCAR premises in Rome. The implementation of the first part was sealed by the signature, from the parties involved, of the contractual documents linked to the implementation of the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC, according to the name of the European Defence Fund call).
On the same day, companies’ delegates signed a consortium agreement aimed at ruling the project execution by maximising synergies and collaboration among European shipbuilding industries. With a duration of 24 months, this MMPC first contract aims to provide the initial design of a next-generation class of naval vessel, the European Patrol Corvette (EPC). The final aim is to design and develop prototypes of the vessel, based on innovative and disruptive technologies and a modular approach, and capable of accomplishing several tasks and missions – from high seas surveillance to law enforcement – in line with the requirements of the different navies and the evolving geopolitical context.
The EPC programme will first include two main versions: the Long Range Multipurpose and the Full Combat Multipurpose. This will imply strict cooperation among the three shipbuilding architects and manufacturers, Naval Group, Fincantieri, and Navantia, also to meet the operational needs of the different Navies.
The programme first phase has an overall value of €87million and benefits from the support of €60 in grants from the European Commission through the European Defence Fund (EDF). The remaining €27 million will be provided by participating countries (Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Greece and Norway). OCCAR will manage the full scope of the project, acting as ‘Granting Authority’, on the mandate of the European Commission and the countries mentioned above.
The EPC was first launched as one of the projects of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), a European instrument aimed to strengthen EU cooperation in defence – seen from a broad perspective. The programme represents a step forward in European defence cooperation, contributing to European sovereignty in the second-line vessels domain, improving collaboration among EU defence industries and lowering delays. The contract signature highlights the willingness of the nations to work together and pool the know-how of their local industries. But it also shows the success of EDF in pushing countries’ joint development of European defence capabilities.
The contract also aligns with the renewed European interest in its defence industry following the severe crises arising around Europe. Indeed, the objective of “building European” – aimed from the beginning to avoid unnecessary costs and overcapacity – is now coupled with joint procurement, especially after the war in Ukraine emptied EU stocks of ammunition.
