Naval Group has presented a more heavily armed MP-OPV design for the Lithuanian Navy.
The French defense company Naval Group has presented the design of a multi-purpose patrol vessel (MP-OPV) updated according to the requirements of the Lithuanian Navy. According to reports from Naval News, Lithuania plans to acquire four modular multi-purpose vessels capable of carrying unmanned systems to modernize its fleet.
The newly presented design features significantly heavier armament compared to previous concepts. In this respect, the vessel aims for a combat capability that approaches that of a light frigate rather than a classic patrol vessel.
Weapon and sensor load
According to data reported by Naval News, the updated MP-OPV carries one OTO 76 mm gun, two quadruple Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship missile launchers for land targets, a vertical launch system for air defense (CAMM or VL MICA), two MARLIN 30 mm remote-controlled weapon stations for close defense, Hensoldt TRS-4D mast radar, and STIR 1.2 fire control radar.
The vessel also features a reinforced flight deck for 6-ton class helicopters, an ice-strengthened hull, and integration with UMS Skeldar’s V-200 unmanned aerial vehicle. This equipment defines a platform adapted to the challenging maritime and climatic conditions of the Baltic.
Derived from the Mine Warfare Platform
The MP-OPV is designed based on the Mine Warfare Platform (MWP) developed by Naval Group for Belgium and the Netherlands under the rMCM program and maintains a high level of common parts usage with these 2,800-ton mine hunters. This partnership aims to provide economies of scale in production and maintenance.
SHIELD Lab and local industry
Naval Group established a maritime defense innovation laboratory named SHIELD Lab by signing a letter of intent with four Lithuanian research institutions — Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, the Baltic Advanced Technology Institute, and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology — on July 1, 2026. The company also plans to develop the VANTAGE project, a containerized and ship-integrated unmanned system solution, with technologies from the local Lithuanian industry.
These steps indicate that the procurement is designed to encompass not only the acquisition of vessels but also local industry participation and technology partnership.
Sources
- Naval News – “Naval Group Offers Latest MP-OPV Design for Lithuanian Navy” – July 24, 2026. The design, weapon/sensor load, SHIELD Lab, and program framework were used. Link
- Naval Group corporate information – Used for MWP/rMCM common parts legacy and the VANTAGE project.
