The EPC project, initiated on 3 June 2019 with an agreement between France and Italy, aims to develop a versatile corvette platform to address a range of defence and patrol needs across European waters. Coordinated by Italy, the project quickly gained support from Spain and Greece, later attracting interest from Denmark, Norway, and Romania. Additionally, Croatia and Portugal have joined as observers. The EPC project aligns with the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework, aimed at bolstering security, interoperability, and European industrial autonomy.
From concept to realisation: Call 1 and Call 2
The MMPC project’s first phase, Call 1, was funded in 2021 by the European Defence Fund (EDF) following the submission of a proposal by Naviris and Navantia. In October 2022, a €87 million contract was signed between the consortium and OCCAR-EA (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), managing the project for the European Commission. This initial phase covers the design of two corvette variants—Long Range Multipurpose (LRM) and Full Combat Multipurpose (FCM)—with OCCAR-EA overseeing the implementation from November 2023 to November 2025.
In May 2024, the European Commission approved a €154.5 million grant for the second phase, Call 2, submitted by Fincantieri, Naval Group, Navantia, Naviris, and HYDRUS. This phase, set to run from 2025 to 2029, includes the detailed design and initial production of two prototypes: one LRM and one FCM corvette. France and Spain are interested in the LRM version, suited for extended patrols and overseas operations, while Greece and Italy will focus on the more combat-oriented FCM variant, designed for operations in the Mediterranean, including high-threat areas.
Enhanced capabilities and modular design
The LRM variant, focused on long-range patrol, will feature advanced radar, a combat management system, short-to-medium-range anti-air missiles, and a top speed of 24 knots. Meanwhile, the FCM variant will include additional anti-ship missiles and countermeasures against torpedoes and drones, reaching speeds of up to 26 knots. Both variants are equipped to accommodate medium helicopters, such as the NH-90, and have modular mission spaces to allow customisation based on mission requirements.
Differences between the LRM and FCM versions extend to propulsion, sensors, and weaponry configurations, tailored to meet specific national defence needs. The modular, multirole design aims to increase standardisation across European navies, allowing interoperability and adaptability in joint missions and enhancing EU military autonomy in economic, technological, and security domains.
Strategic significance for European defence
The EPC project represents a strategic investment by Italy, Spain, France, and Greece in European defence capabilities, with shared costs reflecting a commitment to enhanced security cooperation. By developing advanced, adaptable corvettes, the EPC initiative strengthens Europe’s maritime capabilities and reinforces its defence industrial base. Naviris, launched in January 2020, plays a pivotal role in leading this European effort, with an ambition to extend its naval solutions to international markets and foster long-term alliances in naval defence.
With the next phase of the MMPC Project under way, the consortium is poised to deliver a new class of modular corvettes tailored to Europe’s diverse security needs, reflecting a milestone in European defence integration and industrial cooperation.
