The event brought together consortium partners and representatives of participating member states. Baltic Workboats said it highlighted progress in one of the largest projects funded under the European Defence Fund.
“The Critical Design Review confirms that the EUROGUARD system is moving from design to operational reality,” said Project Coordinator Martin Laur. “It reflects strong European cooperation in delivering next-generation maritime defence capabilities.”
The review is intended to validate the design of the EUROGUARD demonstrator. The system integrates advanced technologies into a modular, semi-autonomous maritime platform.
Participants were also able to see the physical progress of the prototype vessel. They also experienced a virtual demonstration of its operational capabilities.
EUROGUARD is developing a 45-metre semi-autonomous modular vessel. It is designed for missions including surveillance and reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, drone operations, and search and rescue.
The project is valued at €95 million. It is funded by the European Defence Fund with €65 million and by participating countries and industry with €30 million.
Coordinated by Baltic Workboats, EUROGUARD brings together 27 organisations from ten European countries. The project is intended to strengthen European defence innovation and industrial cooperation.
EUROGUARD focuses on modular, semi-autonomous surface vessels with advanced remote-control systems and sustainable propulsion. The project runs from 2023 to 2027 and aims to enhance Europe’s maritime security capabilities.
Baltic Workboats is an Estonian shipbuilder based in Saaremaa. The company specialises in workboats, patrol vessels, passenger ferries and other special-purpose vessels, with more than 90% of production exported internationally.
