In a significant development for European defense, the leading military armament agency of Europe, together with the continent's largest shipbuilders and national partners, has entered into contracts for the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) to initiate the inaugural phase of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project. Spearheaded by the Naviris Consortium, a collaborative effort between France's Naval Group and Italy's Fincantieri, this project heralds a new era in naval capabilities.
The announcement was made through an official statement, following a momentous signing ceremony at the premises of the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) in Rome. The Naviris Consortium, comprised of Spain's Navantia and various stakeholders from Greece, Denmark, and Norway, has set its sights on the ambitious goal of developing cutting-edge fleets of corvettes, tailored for deployment by European member nations' militaries and police forces, depending on the specific mission requirements.
The exact timeline for the deployment of these state-of-the-art vessels has not been disclosed by the officials involved.
A substantial budget of €87 million (equivalent to $92 million) has been allocated for the project's initial phase, with funding distributed between €60 million ($63 million) in grants from the European Commission (EC) and €27 million ($28 million) contributed by the member states, which include Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Greece, and Norway. Ireland, Portugal, and Romania currently hold observer status in the EPC project.
OCCAR, an organization with the mandate from the EC and the contracting authority delegated by member states, will oversee the comprehensive execution of the project, ensuring efficient management and coordination.
In a complementary move, a "consortium agreement" has been signed by the companies participating in the MMPC, aiming to optimize synergies and promote collaboration within the European shipbuilding industry. This agreement will play a vital role in the success of the EPC project.
The initial MMPC contract, spanning a duration of two years, encompasses the creation of the preliminary design for a "next-generation class of naval vessel," or the EPC. This groundbreaking vessel will feature two primary configurations: Long Range Multipurpose and Full Combat Multipurpose. These designs are expected to capitalize on the innovations, synergies, and cross-fertilization resulting from the collaboration between Naval Group, Fincantieri, and Navantia, ultimately meeting the diverse operational needs of European navies.
The European Commission, in a statement issued on a Thursday, highlighted the key attributes of the forthcoming design, emphasizing its modularity, flexibility, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, enhanced safety measures, interoperability, and robust cybersecurity.
At its core, the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project has been established to facilitate collaboration among the five member state navies to define the requirements for a second-rank surface combatant, measuring 110 meters in length and weighing 3,000 tons. This endeavor is poised to replace existing fleets and strengthen naval capabilities for the future.
The consortium underscores that the ships, based on specific requirements from each Navy, will be equipped to perform a wide range of missions, from high-autonomy high seas surveillance to law enforcement and sovereignty affirmation missions closer to the coast. This versatility marks a significant advancement in European naval capabilities.
Through the joint development of this "new and disruptive class of corvettes," the participating companies aim to bolster European sovereignty, relying on their in-house skills and expertise. The project represents a critical step toward achieving self-sufficiency and fostering European naval innovation.
This transformative initiative, which began with a tender "call," saw the European Commission selecting the MMPC proposal from Naviris in July 2022, bringing together 40 companies from 12 different countries. It signals a significant leap forward in European naval development and cooperation.
The European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project, led by the Naviris Consortium, promises to revolutionize European naval capabilities, providing advanced, adaptable, and innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges faced by member nations' military and police forces. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched for its potential to enhance security, foster cooperation, and strengthen European naval sovereignty.
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Naval Force