Navantia and Fincantieri deepen cooperation on the european patrol corvette programme
Navantia and Fincantieri have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly coordinate and execute the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) programme, marking a significant step in European naval industrial integration.
In brief
Navantia and Fincantieri have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the European Patrol Corvette programme, providing for the creation of a joint venture to manage the project, open to further industrial partners. The European Patrol Corvette programme is led by Italy, Spain, France and Greece with the participation of 46 companies from 12 countries, under PESCO and the European Defence Fund. In the Call 2 stage, approved in 2023, the European Defence Fund allocated EUR 154 million to design work and prototyping. Navantia and Fincantieri will jointly develop the Full Combat Multipurpose variant.
The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint venture responsible for programme management and execution, open to other industrial partners involved in the initiative.
Developed under the EU’s PESCO framework and supported by the European Defence Fund through the Multi Mission Patrol Corvette (MMPC) programme, EPC is led by Italy, Spain, France and Greece, with 46 companies from 12 countries participating.
The programme foresees two variants: the high-end Full Combat Multipurpose configuration and the Long Range Multipurpose patrol version. Following the 2021 Call 1 phase, focused on certified design and prototype platforms, €154 million was allocated in the 2023 Call 2 phase to advance detailed design and initiate prototyping.
- Industry has a fundamental role in building Europe’s defence. With our collaboration, Navantia and Fincantieri are giving a significant boost to Europe’s defence capabilities. We will work together to define a new class of multipurpose, innovative, interoperable and cybersecure corvettes that meet the requirements not only of the Spanish Navy and the Marina Militare, but also of other European navies, said Ricardo Domínguez, Chairman of Navantia.
- This agreement marks a decisive step forward in the EPC programme, a project that embodies the spirit of European cooperation and technological excellence. By joining forces with Navantia, we are not only responding to the needs of our respective navies, but also laying the foundations for a new standard in European maritime defence. The EPC is more than a ship: it is a strategic platform for interoperability, innovation, and security, capable of strengthening the operational capabilities of Europe as a whole. Our joint venture is a testament to the industry’s ability to drive progress and unity, and to transform vision into concrete solutions for the future of European defence, stated Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri.
The EPC is widely regarded as a potential cornerstone programme for the next generation of European surface combatants.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Oskar Wojciechowski
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