Naval Group Offers Latest MP-OPV Design for Lithuanian Navy

Naval Group has unveiled an updated, more heavily armed Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) design for the Lithuanian Navy, backed by a new maritime defense innovation laboratory called SHIELD Lab. On July 1, 2026, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions (Kaunas University of Technology, Klaipėda University, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and Center for Physical Sciences and Technology) signed a Letter of Intent in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab. The lab will focus on R&D for the MP-OPV programme, the international VANTAGE programme, and other defense innovation projects. The updated MP-OPV design features corvette-level armament including an OTO 76mm main gun, a Vertical Launch System for surface-to-air missiles, two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers (likely for Naval Strike Missile), two MARLIN 30mm remote weapon stations, a Hensoldt TRS-4D radar, and a STIR 1.2 fire control radar. The vessel is derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform developed for Belgium and the Netherlands, with enhanced multi-role capabilities including an extended stern deck for containerized systems and a reinforced flight deck for 6-ton helicopters.