The radar will use a rotating AESA antenna and operate in the E/F band between 2 and 4 GHz. Indra already produces the Lanza family of radars in the D band between 1 and 2 GHz, including naval versions co produced with India’s Tata.
Spain, through the shipbuilder Navantia, is one of three countries in the industrial consortium that presented the winning design last June. The agreement sets a strict deadline of 30 October 2029 for all work, with no option for extension.
The consortium also includes France’s Naval Group and Italy’s Fincantieri, while Naviris from France and Italy and Hydrus from Greece have been selected as subcontractors. The partners aim to produce a standard platform that can be adapted to each navy’s requirements.
The corvettes are planned to have a full displacement of around 3000 tonnes and a hull length of about 110 metres. They are intended to replace several classes of patrol ships and light frigates now in service with participating countries.
Two baseline configurations are envisaged, with France and Spain showing interest in the patrol variant. Italy and Greece are expected to focus on a more heavily armed version designed to deliver greater combat capability.
Italy could use the EPC design to replace its Cassiopea and Sirio patrol ships, which date from 1989 and 2002 respectively. Spain plans to renew its fleet by retiring the Serviola class vessels and the single Descubierta class Infanta Cristina, which entered service in 1980.
France intends to use the new corvettes to replace its Floréal class frigates, six ships introduced in 1992. The EPC programme is therefore set to shape the next generation of mid sized European naval platforms.
