European Patrol Corvette gains slice of EU funding but practical hurdles remain
The EPC for the French Navy will replace the six Floréal-class frigates on a one-for-one basis (pictured is Prairial, which is based in French Polynesia). (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
Four NATO navies could acquire a total of 26 European Patrol Corvette vessels in a complex programme that includes at least two different configurations and two concepts of use — but various details remain unresolved.
The European Defence Fund is funding the multinational European Patrol Corvette (EPC) programme to the tune of €60 million ($59.48 million) in a 24-month initial development phase, with the first vessel expected to be delivered in 2030.
Development work is to begin in January 2023 between the 13 partners from Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Norway and Spain. The prime contractor is the Naviris JV between Naval Group (France) and Fincantieri (Italy).
The Italian and Spanish navies require their EPCs as soon as possible with eight and six vessels respectively, while the French Navy can wait until 2031-2032 to replace the six Floréal
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat]()
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
![Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine]()
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
![Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first]()
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
