European Patrol Corvette contract could be signed in 2025
EPC project team meeting at Palazzo Marina, Rome. (Photo: Italian Navy)
According to a release from the Italian Navy, a contract for constructing the future European Patrol Corvette (EPC) could be signed as soon as 2025.
If a deal is indeed signed in 2025, work on the lead ship could begin in 2026 with a view to deliveries starting in 2030.
The news came after representatives of the Italian Navy, Spain, France, Greece, and the European Defence Agency attended an EPC project team meeting on 8 March in Rome.
The Italian Navy said the meeting to draft common requirements was ‘fundamental’ to further developing the EPC project’s underlying development document.
Across Europe, more than 30 ship classes weigh between 500t to 4000t; the EPC project aims to overcome this market fragmentation with a common vessel.
Denmark and Norway are signed up to the project as co-financiers, and Portugal holds observer status.
In December 2021, the Naviris JV and Navantia submitted an offer for the European Defence Fund (EDF) Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC). MMPC is the name of the EDF tender for the EPC.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
European Patrol Corvette (EPC)/Buques de Protección Marítima (BPM) [Spain]
More from Naval Warfare
-
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.