Europe plans progress on semi-autonomous modular naval vessel
The project will attempt to develop a prototype semi-autonomous vessel by 2027. (Image: ECDI)
The pan-European project plans to develop a a new vessel architecture, create and test the physical prototype of the vessel by the end of 2027, and develop a data-centric autonomous ship architecture.
A European coalition has started work on a €95 million (US$103 million) four-year programme to develop a prototype semi-autonomous modular vessel which can be adapted for a range of missions.
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and Baltic WorkBoats will lead a pan-European project dubbed EUROGUARD (European Goal-based Multi-mission Autonomous Naval Reference Platform Development).
The project, one of the largest and best funded projects by the European Defence Fund (EDF), has involved 23 companies and research institutions from 10 EU countries, with member states led by the ECDI and the industrial consortium led by Baltic Workboats. A total of €30 million for the project will be funded by the countries and companies themselves.
The project has been divided into three phases: developing a new vessel architecture (GENSA), creating and testing the physical prototype of the vessel by the end of 2027, and developing a data-centric autonomous ship architecture.
Ats Janno, project office head at theECDI, said: “The prototype will certainly require further development, but the closer we get to a competitive and comprehensive result in military, technical, and economic terms, the more viable the project will be.”
In a previous EDF cooperation project, Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS), Estonia led a €32.6 million project aimed at developing a standard solution for European unmanned ground systems.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver]()
Australia signs US$2.8 billion ship deal with Austal but puts pressure on company to deliver
The A$4 billion Landing Craft Heavy contract for Austal follows on from a A$1 billion deal in December for Landing Craft Medium ships, but the Australian government has made it clear that a contract for Mogami frigates is reliant on the success of these two contracts.
-
![US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes]()
US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
-
![Could Asia and the Middle East offer growth opportunities for Italy’s Fincantieri?]()
Could Asia and the Middle East offer growth opportunities for Italy’s Fincantieri?
Export campaigns for Fincantieri’s submarines and frigates are central to the company’s ambitions as billions of dollars in unawarded contracts come into focus.
-
![US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations]()
US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
