Romania cancels contract for 4 corvettes with France's Naval Group.

According to information published by Ziuaveche on August 8, 2023, Romania canceled the contract with the French firm Naval Group of four Gowind class corvettes.
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Model of a Gowind class corvette on Naval Group's booth in Athens. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The decision was taken after the successful bidder failed to sign the framework agreement within the provided timeline. Additionally, adequate funds were not identified for the runner-up economic operator to be declared the winner. The three participating bidders were informed of the cancellation on August 8.

Earlier in June, the Ministry had been in negotiations with the French company Naval Group and the Constanța Shipyard over a contract worth 1.2 billion euros.

This contract was for the delivery of four Gowind 2500 corvettes equipped with hybrid diesel-electric CODLAD propulsion and armed with European MBDA missile systems, including VL Mica anti-aircraft missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles. Despite these discussions and the urgency conveyed by the Romanian authorities, the contract was not finalized.

About the Gowind class

These vessels vary in size, with a displacement ranging from 1,000 to 3,100 tons, and lengths that span from 85 to 111 meters. Their top speed is 28 knots, and they have an operational range of 3,700 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. The vessels can accommodate a crew of 65 members and an additional 15 special forces personnel.

In terms of sensors and systems, the Gowind-class vessels feature the SMART-S MK2 3D radar and the CAPTAS-2 variable depth sonar. They are equipped with the SETIS combat system by Naval Group for effective command and control. The vessels also incorporate electronic warfare and decoy systems, including the VIGILE 200 Tactical R-ESM System and ALTESSE Naval C-ESM.

Armament on the Gowind-class vessels includes options such as the OTO Melara 76 mm or Bofors 57 mm Naval Automatic Gun for surface engagements.

They are also equipped with Nexter Narwhal 20 mm or MSI DS30M 30 mm cannons for close-in defense. The vessels can carry between 8 to 16 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for VL MICA surface-to-air missiles. Additionally, they are armed with 4 to 8 Exocet or Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missiles, along with a triple torpedo launcher for anti-submarine warfare.