European Patrol Corvette

European Patrol Corvette (EPC or PPX) 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 warship. The project is coordinated by Italy, with France, Spain and Greece participating and Portugal as an observer.[3][2] In December 2021, it was reported that Norway and Denmark had also joined the project.[4]

Class overview
In commissionProjected from 2030
General characteristics
TypeCorvette
Displacement<3,000 t[1]
Length<110 m (360 ft 11 in)
Draft<5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
PropulsionCODLAD, CODAD
Speed24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) or 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph)
ArmamentVaried depending on nation and role[2]
Aircraft carriedNH90-sized helicopter and/or UAVs

The ships will have a conventional hull of different dimensions, armament and propulsion systems.

The EPC will have at least two versions:

  • Combat variant (reported Italian preference): 3D radar and combat management systems, medium/short-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, medium/short-range SAM, envisaged top speed: 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)[5]

Other sources had earlier suggested that three variants were to be considered:

  • EPC optimised for anti-surface (ASuW) and anti-aircraft (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[6]

Whatever the configuration and variants, as of 2022 the participating member states aim to potentially sign a contract as early as 2025 and the keel laying of the first ship to take place in 2026 and delivery starting in 2030.[1][7]

In 2022, it was indicated that the project would receive a further 200 million Euro from the European Union's defence fund (EDF).[8]

Participants

Member states:

Companies:

Expected users

See also

References
  1. "EDA to support 'European Patrol Corvette' PESCO project". European Defence Agency. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. "The PeSCo's European Patrol Corvette (EPC) programme gains momentum". European Defence Review. 19 October 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. "Corvette europee, i dettagli". portaledifesa.it (in Italian). Archived from the original on 17 October 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  4. Kington, Tom (13 December 2021). "Denmark, Norway join European corvette program". Defense News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. Kington, Tom (3 November 2021). "Amid high hopes, can the European Patrol Corvette deliver?". Defense News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. "NAVIRIS and NAVANTIA sign MoU for the European Patrol Corvette Program". Naval News. 11 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  7. Gain, Nathan (17 March 2022). "European Patrol Corvette Could Start Construction In Four Years". Naval News. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  8. "European Patrol Corvette to get fresh money from EU coffers". 9 September 2022.
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