European Patrol-class corvette (design)

European Patrol Corvette (EPC or PPX) is a Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project that was adopted by the European Council on 12 November 2019. The objective is to design and develop a new class of warship. The project is coordinated by Italy, with France, Spain and Greece participating and Portugal as an observer. In December 2021, it was reported that Norway and Denmark had also joined the project.

The ships will have a conventional hull of different dimensions, armament and propulsion systems. The EPC will be have at least two versions:

Combat variant (reported Italian preference): 3D radar and combat management systems, medium/short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), anti-torpedo countermeasures, envisaged top speed: 25–26 knots (46–48 km/h; 29–30 mph);

Long-range patrol variant (reported French preference): 3D radar and combat management systems, medium/short-range SAM, envisaged top speed: 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph)

Other sources had earlier suggested that three variants were to be considered:

EPC optimised for anti-surface (ASuW) and anti-aircraft (AAW) warfare with the possibility of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and with self-defence capabilities

EPC optimized for anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and designed with oceanic reach (range of 10,000 nautical miles, 19,000 km, 12,000 mi at 14 knots, 26 km/h, 16 mph).

EPC optimized for blue-water (offshore) patrol missions.

Whatever the configuration and variants, as of 2022 the participating member states aim to potentially sign a contract as early as 2025 and the keel laying of the first ship to take place in 2026 and delivery starting in 2030.