WDS 2026: Egypt Confirms PV43 Patrol Vessel as Construction Begins for Coastal Fleet.

The Egyptian Navy has unveiled a scale model of its PV43 patrol vessel at the World Defense Show 2026, presented by Alexandria Shipyard. The program reflects Cairo’s effort to modernize and standardize its coastal patrol fleet as regional maritime activity increases.

Alexandria Shipyard displayed a scale model of the PV43 patrol vessel at the World Defense Show 2026, offering a first public look at a new Egyptian Navy program aimed at strengthening coastal maritime operations. Construction has already begun on the first hulls of this new patrol vessel class, which is expected to become a core element of Egypt’s future patrol fleet.
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Egypt confirms the PV43 patrol vessel program as construction begins, reinforcing naval capabilities for coastal maritime security. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The PV43 program was formally initiated in 2025, when the Egyptian Navy placed an order for ten 43-meter patrol vessels with Alexandria Shipyard. The shipyard is implementing the program in cooperation with the German group Naval Vessels Lürssen, continuing an industrial strategy based on foreign partnerships aimed at developing national shipbuilding capabilities. This approach has previously been applied to the Gowind corvettes built in cooperation with Naval Group, three of which were constructed in Egypt, as well as to the MEKO A200 frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, with the final unit currently in the last stages of outfitting at Alexandria.

The PV43 is derived from the OOB-31 design of the Omiš class in service with the Croatian Navy, adapted to Egyptian requirements. The vessel has an overall length of 43 meters and a maximum beam of 8 meters, with a draught optimized for littoral operations. Propulsion is provided by two diesel engines driving two shafts, enabling a maximum speed of 27 knots at full load. At a cruising speed of 15 knots, the stated range is approximately 1,100 nautical miles, corresponding to an operational profile focused on sustained coastal surveillance and control of maritime approaches.

The onboard electronic architecture is largely based on systems supplied by Thales. The combat system includes a surveillance radar, an electronic warfare suite, a Link Y data link, and the TACTICOS (Tactical Information and Command System) combat management system. This configuration is intended to support maritime surveillance missions and the protection of sensitive maritime infrastructure.

The armament configuration shown on the scale model at WDS 2026 reflects the options under consideration for the class. The main armament consists of a Leonardo Marlin 30 mm remotely operated naval gun mounted forward, supplemented by two remotely operated 12.7 mm weapon stations positioned at bridge level, one on the starboard aft side and one on the port aft side. The final selection of these secondary systems has not yet been finalized, with discussions ongoing with Arab International Optronic in cooperation with the Spanish company Escribano regarding systems in this category.

Beyond surveillance, reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions, the PV43 is designed to support limited military operations. The configuration intended for Egypt provides for the installation at the stern of two twin launchers for surface-to-surface anti-ship missiles. Available information indicates compatibility with the MBDA Marte Mk2/N missile, providing the ability to engage surface targets beyond the range of naval gunfire and expanding the vessel’s operational envelope.

The integration of anti-ship missiles has led to modifications compared with the original design. The stern slipway originally intended for launching a large rigid-hull inflatable boat has been removed to make space for weapon installation. A smaller rigid-hull inflatable boat is now carried on the starboard side and deployed using a davit system. This craft is designed to carry up to five special forces operators, supporting boarding or limited insertion tasks.

Steel cutting for the first PV43 has already taken place at Alexandria, marking the transition of the program into its industrial production phase. Delivery of the first vessel is planned for 2026, while the contract stipulates that all ten units are to be delivered to the Egyptian Navy within five years of contract signature.

The presentation of the PV43 by Alexandria Shipyard reflects the gradual evolution of the shipyard into a regional actor in the construction of surface combatants. By relying on established technological partnerships and serial production programs, the Egyptian shipbuilder aims to meet national requirements while positioning itself in a market where demand for medium-sized armed patrol vessels remains sustained. This trend contributes to the wider dissemination of standardized patrol platforms capable of combining maritime security tasks with limited military capabilities, in a context marked by growing attention to the protection of maritime spaces and critical infrastructure.