Naval Group proposes the latest design for the MP-OPV, intended for the Lithuanian Navy
The French defense contractor Naval Group has proposed its latest design for a multipurpose maritime patrol vessel (MP-OPV) aimed at modernizing the Lithuanian Navy. The vessel is a platform developed to perform both maritime patrol and mine warfare missions, and is being discussed as a candidate for Lithuania’s naval force enhancement project.
According to a report by Naval News, Naval Group has proposed an MP-OPV (Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel) with a more powerful armament configuration that reflects the requirements of the Lithuanian Navy, while maintaining the versatility of the existing platform. However, the specific armament systems and final specifications have not yet been disclosed.
82m-class platform combines mine warfare and patrol missions
The MP-OPV, proposed by Naval Group, is based on the City-class platform, which was developed for the rMCM next-generation mine countermeasures program for Belgium and the Netherlands. According to Naval News, the platform’s length is approximately 82 meters, and its displacement is approximately 2,800 tons.
This vessel, unlike traditional minehunters, can serve as a mothership capable of operating unmanned systems in the air, on the surface, and underwater. The core function is to reduce the burden on crew members who would otherwise have to directly enter dangerous waters, as the unmanned systems are responsible for detecting, classifying, identifying, and neutralizing mines.
At the same time, its large hull and mission space allow it to be used for a variety of missions, including maritime patrol, protection of maritime traffic, surveillance and reconnaissance, and humanitarian assistance. A key feature of the proposal is its ability to integrate the maritime patrol and mine warfare capabilities that the Lithuanian Navy requires into a single platform.
SHIELD Lab to Be Developed as a Hub for Maritime Defense Industry Innovation in Lithuania
On July 1, 2026, at the residence of the French ambassador in Vilnius, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions signed a memorandum of intent to establish a maritime defense industry innovation lab. According to a statement from the Lithuanian National Physical and Technological Science Center (FTMC) , the agreement involves the participation of Kaunas University of Technology , Klaipeda University , the Baltic Advanced Technology Institute , and FTMC .
The SHIELD Lab will be an open research and development platform aimed at jointly developing technologies needed by the Lithuanian Navy and promoting cooperation between research institutions and defense companies. Initial research areas include unmanned systems for the Navy, laser technology, and technology for countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the agreement, a joint coordinating committee has also been established. The committee is scheduled to develop research priorities and operational plans, and to review the institute’s funding and governance model. Research and development programs related to MP-OPV, as well as technology development related to the Vantage project, an international defense module business, are included as initial collaborative tasks.
Potential for local construction in Klaipeda… Industrial cooperation is also a factor
Naval Group proposed that, if its proposal is selected for the MP-OPV project, it will build the vessels in Klaipeda, a port city in western Lithuania, and expand the participation of local companies in outfitting and equipment integration. This is an industrial cooperation model that goes beyond simple vessel sales and connects with the local shipbuilding and defense industry ecosystem.
According to a report by LRT, Naval Group has already identified approximately 60 potential Lithuanian partners. The company estimates that if the project is successful, it could create about 1,000 jobs and that approximately 30% of the project’s value could remain within the Lithuanian economy.
However, these figures are projections from Naval Group, based on the premise of selecting a contractor and concluding a contract. The final construction location, the proportion of local production, and the scale of employment may vary depending on Lithuania’s procurement decisions and detailed negotiations.
Future points of interest in the Lithuanian Navy modernization project
The key feature of this proposal is that the MP-OPV is designed to simultaneously perform the roles of a patrol vessel and a mine countermeasures platform. It can monitor the maritime traffic lanes and port access routes in the Baltic Sea, while also responding to mine threats, making it a suitable option for integrating the missions of a small navy.
However, the establishment of the SHIELD Lab and the proposal for MP-OPV do not yet constitute a procurement contract. The actual adoption will likely be determined by comprehensively considering the operational requirements of the Lithuanian Navy, a comparison with competing proposals, price and delivery schedules, and conditions for local industry participation.
In the future, the key factors will be Lithuania’s required level of armament, its ability to operate unmanned systems, and whether the plan to build the vessel in Klaipėda takes concrete shape. Naval Group is employing a strategy that focuses on the SHIELD Lab and local industrial cooperation, not only offering the vessel itself but also proposing a long-term technological ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an MP-OPV?
MP-OPV is an abbreviation for Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel, and it is a multi-purpose marine patrol vessel designed to perform various missions, including maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.
What platform is the Naval Group’s MP-OPV based on?
The vessel is based on the City-class platform, which was developed for the rMCM project in Belgium and the Netherlands. It is designed to possess mine countermeasures capabilities by utilizing unmanned surface, underwater, and aerial systems.
What are the main specifications of the MP-OPV?
According to publicly available reports, the length is approximately 82 meters, and the displacement is approximately 2,800 tons. The final armament and detailed specifications of the Lithuanian-type variant have not yet been finalized.
What is the SHIELD Lab?
SHIELD Lab is a maritime defense innovation consortium led by Naval Group and four research institutions in Lithuania. Unmanned systems, lasers, counter-unmanned aerial vehicle technologies, and research and development related to MP-OPV are its main areas of focus.
Is it possible to build MP-OPVs in Lithuania?
Naval Group proposed building a vessel in Klaipėda if its proposal is selected, and also suggested involving local shipbuilding and defense companies. However, the construction location and the proportion of domestic production will be determined through the final contract.
