The vessel, capable of both independent and fleet-based operations, will feature modular systems and advanced technologies, and its hull is set to be constructed at the Baltic Workboats shipyard on Saaremaa island in Estonia. Hull completion is planned for spring 2026, with sea trials scheduled for the following autumn.
Nine EU member states and 23 consortium organisations are involved in EUROGUARD, with Estonia leading both the member-state and consortium efforts. The RKIK leads the member states, while Baltic Workboats heads the consortium, supported by a €95 million budget, of which €65 million is financed by the European Commission.
“The EUROGUARD project gives us an excellent opportunity to develop and test autonomous and modular solutions in maritime defense, where conditions are far more diverse and changeable compared to land and air domains,” said Ats Janno, Project Manager of EUROGUARD. “The knowledge and experience gained will provide a strong foundation for assessing the suitability of new technologies and for developing new capabilities.”
“While land and air defense technologies are advancing rapidly, maritime defense solutions have so far remained largely theoretical — EUROGUARD helps to change that. It is also important that Estonia is strongly represented in the project and is working together with our key allies,” Janno added.
