Naval Group has unveiled an updated version of the Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) to meet the requirements of the Lithuanian Navy.
The project was developed jointly with the country’s naval authorities and received significant enhancements to its combat system, bringing its capabilities closer to those of a corvette. The new equipment includes a 76 mm gun, vertical launchers for anti-aircraft missiles, Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missiles, 30 mm weapon stations, and a suite of modern radars for surveillance and fire control.
In addition to unveiling the vessel, Naval Group signed a Letter of Intent with four Lithuanian research institutions to establish the SHIELD Lab, a laboratory focused on maritime defense innovation. The center will be responsible for developing research and technologies for the future MP-OPV program, supporting the international VANTAGE project, and strengthening cooperation between the French defense industry and Lithuania’s technology sector, with an emphasis on technology transfer and industrial development.
Based on the Mine Warfare Platform used by Belgium and the Netherlands, the MP-OPV retains its modular design while significantly expanding its operational versatility. The vessel features an enlarged aft deck for transporting containers equipped with mission systems, as well as a reinforced flight deck capable of operating helicopters weighing up to six tons and several types of drones, including vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This allows it to conduct patrol, mine warfare, special operations, and maritime surveillance missions.
Another highlight is the VANTAGE project, which calls for the integration of an onboard drone system into a “System of Systems” architecture. The initiative will use technologies developed by Lithuanian companies to enhance the detection of aerial and surface threats, improve situational awareness, and provide graduated response options during naval operations. The Lithuanian Navy intends to use these capabilities to modernize its fleet through the acquisition of four new multi-purpose vessels designed to operate unmanned systems.
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Source and images: X @navalgroup | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
