This initiative builds on the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) PESCO programme’s foundations, particularly the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) Call 1. Contracts under the European Defence Fund (EDF) programme were signed on October 24, 2023, and now, with the selection of the proposal under MMPC Call 2, the EDF budget allocation reaches a substantial €154.5 million.
The forthcoming phase aims to complete the initial and detailed design of the vessels while integrating cutting-edge technological innovations. These advancements will enable the corvettes to accommodate various systems and payloads, allowing them to undertake a wide range of missions. This phase will lead to the production of two prototypes: a Long Range Mission (LRM) version and a Full Combat Mission (FCM) version. These prototypes will form the foundation for future national fleets of advanced corvettes, enhancing commonality, interoperability, and standardization across EU Member States’ navies.
Managed by OCCAR-EA on behalf of the European Commission, this next step is pivotal in bolstering European autonomy in several critical areas: economy, defence, technology, industry, and security. By fostering the development of advanced technologies within the European industry, the project aims to reduce dependence on external entities for component production, establish a robust transnational EU supply chain, lower unit costs, and position European shipyards as competitive alternatives to non-European counterparts.
The MMPC Call 2 project will accelerate the deployment of modern corvettes, preparing national acquisition programs and enhancing interoperability with common supplies and procedures for operations and maintenance, thanks to mission modularity.
Reflecting a shared commitment to collective security and defence, the co-financing commitment from Italy, Spain, France, and Greece underscores their investment in the strategic objectives of PESCO and the broader European Union.
