Fincantieri, Navantia and Naval Group have signed the consortium agreement for the second phase of EPC (EPC2) during Euronaval 2026. The ceremony, held in the presence of representatives from OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation), marks a significant step forward in the development of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC).
Fincantieri press release
The signing ceremony brought together the CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero; the president of Navantia, Ricardo DomÃnguez and the CEO of Naval Group, Pierre Éric Pommellet, reflecting the shared commitment of industry to the future of European naval capabilities.
The agreement strengthens the cooperation between the three European shipbuilders and marks the transition from the initial design phase towards ready-for-production of 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 programme aims at developing a new generation of naval platforms capable of meeting the evolving operational requirements of European navies.
Supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF), the programme brings together industries and Participating States in Europe and represents a major example of European industrial and technological cooperation in the defence sector.
Today’s signing builds on the achievements of EPC1, which focused on conceptual studies, preliminary ship design, key technology development and the definition of common methodologies, standards and requirements. EPC2will advance the programme towards industrialization by completing the preliminary and detailed design of the vessel while integrating a range of innovative technologies.
The programme will develop a common Full Combat Multipurpose (FCM) platform which will form the basis of a new class of corvettes. Based on a modular and adaptable design, the EPC will enable participating navies to tailor the platform to their specific operational needs while maintaining high levels of interoperability, standardization and commonality.
Designed as a flexible, affordable and interoperable naval platform, the EPC will support a broad spectrum of missions ranging from maritime surveillance and offshore patrol operations to escort duties, maritime security and the protection of critical sea lines of communication.
Beyond its operational capabilities, the programme will contribute to strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy by supporting technological innovation, enhancing industrial capabilities, fostering a resilient European supply chain and improving the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding sector.
With the signing of EPC2, Navantia, Fincantieri and Naval Group reaffirm their commitment to European industrial cooperation and to deliver a common, innovative and future-ready naval platform that will strengthen Europe’s maritime security and defence capabilities for decades to come.
Participation at Euronaval 2026
As part of Euronaval 2026, the European Patrol Corvette will be showcased through a dedicated EPC booth, providing a platform for engagement with naval stakeholders, industry leaders and institutional representatives. The exhibition will offer an opportunity to present the programme’s latest milestones, demonstrate the benefits of a common European naval platform, and highlight the EPC’s contribution to interoperability, innovation and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
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