Summary
The Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC), previously named European Patrol Corvette (EPC), is a Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project that was adopted by the European Council on 12 November 2019. The objective is to design and develop a new class of surface combatants. The project originally involved Italy and France, the former being the coordinator. The two countries would soon be joined by Greece as well as Spain, and gradually, by several other European countries such as Denmark, Norway and Romania.[2][3][4][5]
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| In commission | Projected from 2030 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Corvette |
| Displacement | <3,000 t[1] |
| Length | <110 m (360 ft 11 in) |
| Draft | <5.5 m (18 ft 1 in) |
| Propulsion | CODLAD, CODAD |
| Speed | 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) or 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph) |
| Armament | Varied depending on nation and role[2] |
| Aircraft carried | NH90-sized helicopter and/or UAVs |
In 2022, it was indicated that the project would receive a further €200 million from the EU's European Defence fund (EDF).[6]
Design and description edit
The ships will have a conventional hull of different dimensions, armament and propulsion systems.
The MMPC will have at least two versions:
- Combat variant (reported Italian preference): 3D radar and combat management systems, short to medium range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), anti-torpedo countermeasures, envisaged top speed: 25–26 knots (46–48 km/h; 29–30 mph);
- Long-range patrol variant (reported French preference): 3D radar and combat management systems, short to medium range range SAMs, envisaged top speed: 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)[7]
Other sources had earlier suggested that three variants were to be considered:
- EPC optimized for anti-surface (ASuW) and anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) warfare with the possibility of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and with self-defence capabilities
- EPC optimized for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and designed with oceanic reach (range of 10,000 nautical miles, 19,000 km, 12,000 mi at 14 knots, 26 km/h, 16 mph).
- EPC optimized for blue-water (offshore) patrol missions[8]
Whatever the configuration and variants, as of 2022 the participating member states aim to potentially sign a contract as early as 2025 and expect the keel laying of the first ship to take place in 2026 and delivery to start in 2030.[1][9]
Participants edit
States:
Italy - Project coordinator
France
Greece
Spain
Denmark
Norway
Romania
Portugal - Observer
Croatia - Observer
Main companies:
- Naviris (a 50/50 joint venture between Fincantieri and Naval Group)
- Fincantieri
- Naval Group
- Navantia
Expected users edit
Italian Navy
- To succeed the Cassiopea-class and Sirio-class patrol vessels
French Navy
- To succeed the Floréal-class surveillance frigates
- Spanish Navy
- To succeed the Descubierta-class corvettes and Serviola-class patrol boats
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b "EDA to support 'European Patrol Corvette' PESCO project". European Defence Agency. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ a b "The PeSCo's European Patrol Corvette (EPC) programme gains momentum". European Defence Review. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "Corvette europee, i dettagli". portaledifesa.it (in Italian). Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
- ^ Kington, Tom (13 December 2021). "Denmark, Norway join European corvette program". Defense News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
- ^ Papageorgiou, George (29 May 2023). "Romania in the Eurocorvette program". Naval News. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "European Patrol Corvette to get fresh money from EU coffers". 9 September 2022.
- ^ Kington, Tom (3 November 2021). "Amid high hopes, can the European Patrol Corvette deliver?". Defense News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
- ^ "NAVIRIS and NAVANTIA sign MoU for the European Patrol Corvette Program". Naval News. 11 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ Gain, Nathan (17 March 2022). "European Patrol Corvette Could Start Construction In Four Years". Naval News. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
External links edit
- Pesco
- Italian design
- French design
- Spanish design