Spain became the fourth country, intends to put into service of its Navy a new European corvette. According to Naval News, Madrid has officially joined the program to develop and produce a new patrol corvette for European countries.
New European Corvette (European Patrol Corvette, EPC) created under the auspices of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in the Field of Defense and Security (Permanent Structured Cooperation on Defence and Security, PEACH). Initially, Italy participated in the project, France and Greece, now Spain has joined them. The goal of the program is to develop a prototype of a new class of ships, which, taking into account unification and modularity, will be able to perform a wide range of combat missions.
According to requirements, previously voiced by the French and Italian Navy, the displacement of the new ship should be in the area 3500 tonnes, body length - 110 m, draft - up to 5,5 m. Cruising range - 10 000 nautical miles. Other requirements are not mentioned. It is planned to develop and build three versions of the corvette: air defense ship, anti-submarine warfare ship and anti-surface warfare ship.
Project funds with 2021 year will be allocated by the European Union, European enterprises will receive an invitation to participate in the project. Direct construction of the ships is planned for 2025 year, and the transfer of the first corvette to the customer – on 2027 year.
According to preliminary information, The Italian Navy intends to order eight new type corvettes, French – 8-11 ships. Nothing is known yet about the plans of Greece and Spain.
