EPC Industry’s Offer Chosen for EDF’s 2nd Modular Patrol Corvette

Our Bureau - : Jun 7, 2024 - : 10:36 pm

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The European Commission has chosen a proposal for a European Multi-Mission Patrol Corvette (EPC/MMPC) on 16th May 2024. The proposal was submitted by a consortium of three European shipyards, Navantia, Fincantieri, and Naval Group, along with Naviris and Hydrus, on 22nd November 2023. The grant agreement is now set to be discussed with OCCAR-EA, which has been delegated by the European Commission.

The proposal builds on the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) PESCO programme, which saw contracts for the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) Call 1, EDF programme signed on 24th October 2023. The industry's commitment has been intensified in MMPC Call 2, with the European Commission selecting the proposal for the maximum EDF budget of EUR 154.5 million.

The next phase will focus on completing the initial and detailed design and developing and integrating innovative technological components. This will enable the vessels to host various systems and payloads and perform a wide range of tasks and missions. The production of the first two prototypes, a Long Range Mission version and a Full Combat Mission version, will form the basis for future national fleets of advanced corvettes. The ultimate goal is to increase the level of commonality, interoperability, and standardisation between the navies of different Member States. This next step will be managed by OCCAR-EA, on behalf of the European Commission.

MMPC Call 2 aims to contribute to five key elements for European autonomy: Economy, Defence, Technology, Industry, and Security. It seeks to consolidate competences and the joint development of advanced technologies among the European Industry, reduce the Union's dependence on external entities for component production, secure and establish a new transnational EU supply chain, reduce unit cost, and present the European ship as a viable alternative to non-European shipyards. The project will expedite the availability of modern corvettes by preparing national acquisition programmes and providing extensive interoperability possibilities with common supplies and procedures for operations and maintenance, thanks to mission modularity.

Italy, Spain, France, and Greece have committed to co-financing this new step, reflecting a shared investment in the common security and defence objectives outlined by PESCO and the European Union.