After 19 European countries united in the 'European SkyShield Initiative' - namely a joint hanud (air defense) system led by Germany, there is news from a maritime aspect, that the First Phase of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) Project has been launched on October 24 2023 in Rome, Italy.
Driven by Italy, France and Spain, the EPC offers a joint corvette design that will be adopted according to maritime defense needs in Europe.
Quoted from navyrecognition.com (25/10/2023), with the launch of the First Phase of the EPC, within the next 24 months it is targeted to complete the initial design of the EPC.
The European Patrol Corvette or Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) is a Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project adopted by the European Council on 12 November 2019. Its aim is to design and develop a new class of surface combatant ships.
The project initially involved Italy and France, the former being its coordinator. These two countries were later joined by Greece and Spain, and gradually, several other European countries, such as Denmark, Norway and Romania, participated. Meanwhile Portugal and Croatia joined as observers.
The corvettes in the EPC project will have conventional hulls with different dimensions, armament and propulsion systems. There are at least two versions that are used as a reference for development:
- Fighter variant (Italian preference) – features 3D radar and combat management system, medium/short range surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and anti-torpedo system. This corvette has an estimated top speed: 25–26 knots (46–48 km/h).
- Long range patrol variant (French preference) – features 3D radar and combat management system, medium/short range SAM, estimated top speed 24 knots (44 km/h).
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| European Patrol Corvette Design |
Apart from the two variants above, three further variants have been identified that will be considered.
- Optimized EPC for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) with the possibility of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and with self-defense capabilities
- The EPC is optimized for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and is designed with an oceanic cruising range (cruising range 19,000 km at a speed of 14 knots, 26 km/h).
- EPC is optimized for offshore patrol vessel missions offshore.
With indications of additional funds of around 200 million euros from the European Union, in 2022 the participating member states aim to sign contracts in early 2025 and estimate that the keel laying of the first EPC ship will take place in 2026 and deliveries will begin in 2030.
The EPC project involves top major shipyards, such as Naviris (Italy-France), Naval Group (France), Navantia (Spain) and Fincantieri (Italy). The general specifications of this typical European corvette will have a maximum weight of no more than 3,000 tons and a length of no more than 110 meters.
For propulsion, you can use the CODLAD (Combined diesel-electric and diesel) or CODAD (Combined diesel and diesel) options. Meanwhile, weapons will vary according to mission needs and user countries. The EPC will later be able to accommodate medium-sized NH-90 class helicopters and drone support.