Fincantieri, Navantia and Naval Group have signed a consortium agreement for the second phase of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC2) program.
The signing ceremony, held in the presence of representatives from the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), took place at EURONAVAL 2026.
The agreement strengthens cooperation between the three European shipbuilders and marks the transition from the initial design phase to the production preparation phase for a future class of Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvettes (MMPC).
Launched in 2019 under the European Union's Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework and coordinated by OCCAR since 2022, the MMPC program aims to develop a new generation of naval platforms capable of meeting the evolving operational requirements of European navies.
Supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF), the program brings together European industry and participating states and represents an important example of European industrial and technological cooperation in the defense sector.
The signing of the agreement builds on the progress achieved during the first phase of the program, which focused on conceptual studies, preliminary ship design, the development of key technologies, and the definition of common methodologies, standards and requirements. EPC2 will move the program toward industrialization, completing the preliminary and detailed design of the vessel and integrating a range of innovative technologies.
The program will develop a Full Combat Multipurpose (FCM) common ship platform that will serve as the basis for a new class of corvettes. Based on a modular and adaptable design, the EPC will allow participating navies to tailor the platform to their specific operational requirements while maintaining high levels of interoperability and standardization, as well as a high degree of commonality.
Designed as a flexible, affordable and interoperable naval platform, the EPC will be capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, from maritime surveillance and offshore patrol operations to escort duties, maritime security and the protection of major sea lines of communication.
In addition to its operational capabilities, the program will contribute to strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy by driving technological innovation, reinforcing industrial capabilities, developing a resilient European supply chain and improving the competitiveness of Europe's shipbuilding sector.
With the signing of the EPC2 consortium agreement, Navantia, Fincantieri and Naval Group reaffirm their commitment to European industrial cooperation and the development of a common, innovative and future-ready naval platform that will strengthen Europe's maritime security and defense capabilities for decades to come.
