Inaugural phase of European Patrol Corvette project kicks off with signature on MMPC contract.

According to information published by Naval Group on October 25, 2023, a notable stride was made in advancing European naval capabilities at the OCCAR premises in Rome.
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Signature on Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) contract. (Picture source: Naval Group)

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) inked a contract with a consortium led by Naviris, encapsulating key naval players like Fincantieri (Italy), Naval Group (France), Navantia (Spain), along with beneficiaries from Greece, Denmark, and Norway. This contract marked the commencement of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project's first phase, focusing on the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC).

The initial phase of the project is budgeted at 87 M€, with a substantial backing from the European Commission (EC) via the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EC will fund 60 M€ in the form of grants, while the participating Member States will contribute the remaining 27 M€.

OCCAR is set to oversee the entire project scope, acting both as the Granting Authority, mandated by the EC, and the Contracting Authority, mandated by the Member States involved.

On the same day, company delegates solidified their commitment to the project by signing a consortium agreement. This agreement is aimed at guiding the project execution, fostering synergies, and promoting collaboration among European shipbuilding industries.

The MMPC's first contract, spanning 24 months, aims to lay down the initial design of the upcoming naval vessel class, the European Patrol Corvette (EPC), under a PESCO project framework.

Initially, the EPC will encompass two main versions: the Long Range Multipurpose and the Full Combat Multipurpose, drawing upon the innovations and expertise of three leading European shipbuilding entities - Naval Group, Fincantieri, and Navantia.

The EPC programme is seen as a stride towards enhanced European defence cooperation, aiming to bolster European sovereignty in the second line vessels domain. The initiative envisions reducing the time from identifying military needs to delivering to Navies by consolidating the expertise of the involved naval industries, under the efficient management of OCCAR.

Employing disruptive and innovative technologies, the new class of vessels is designed to be smart, innovative, affordable, sustainable, interoperable, and flexible to cater to a broad spectrum of naval missions.

The design is intended to adapt to the evolving operational needs of different navies, capable of executing diverse missions ranging from high seas surveillance to law enforcement and sovereignty assertion missions closer to the coast.