The seven participating Member States aim to have the new frigates ready for service in the 2040s, with the possibility for additional EU countries to join the initiative. The European Combat Vessel is intended to respond to a broad range of naval shortfalls, from underwater and seabed control to cyber defence, missile defence and operations involving unmanned and autonomous systems.
Spanish naval representative Luis Calviño, who coordinates the development of operational requirements, said the project would directly support the European Union’s security objectives. “We need a real commitment from European partners to develop these systems. We’ve been relying on others, but it is something we cannot do anymore,” he said, adding: “It is not realistic to think that a single nation can develop this.”
Jürgen Scraback, head of the European Defence Agency’s Maritime Domain Unit, underlined that the initiative is designed to strengthen Europe’s maritime security and autonomy while aligning with NATO standards and targets. “We will work closely with the industry, because if you don’t start by collaborating with the industry from the beginning, the work will not succeed,” he said, noting that industry proposals will follow once high-level requirements are agreed.
The European Combat Vessel is conceived not as a single ship but as a family of vessels sharing common technologies, while varying in size and configuration to meet national and mission-specific needs. Using a systems-to-hull approach, the vessels are also expected to function as floating command centres, capable of coordinating ships, aircraft, drones and personnel during operations.
Source: European Defence Agency (EDA).
