Naval Group unveils latest MP-OPV design for Lithuanian Navy

Published on 24/07/2026 By Dimitris Mitsopoulos In News

The updated MP-OPV design for Lithuanian Navy. Naval Group image.

Naval Group unveils a more heavily armed, multirole MP-OPV for Lithuania, backed by the SHIELD Lab initiative.

On July 1, 2026, Naval Group and four Lithuanian research institutions signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab, a maritime defence innovation laboratory supporting the Lithuanian Navy's future capability development.

The initiative involves:

• Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)
• Klaipėda University
• Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI)
• Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC)

This partnership is part of Naval Group's industrial cooperation proposal for Lithuania's Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) programme.

Signing ceremony

At the residence of the French Ambassador in Vilnius, Naval Group, together with KTU, Klaipėda University, BPTI and FTMC, signed a joint LoI, which launched the phase of creating the SHIELD Lab maritime defense innovation laboratory. Naval Group image.

SHIELD Lab Objectives

SHIELD Lab will focus on:

• The Lithuanian Navy's research priorities
• Developing a dedicated R&D roadmap for the future MP-OPV programme
• Advancing technologies for the international VANTAGE programme
• Supporting other collaborative defence innovation projects

Through this initiative, Naval Group aims to establish Lithuania as a long-term industrial partner within its global ecosystem via shipbuilding cooperation, industrial integration, technology transfer, and capability development.

Updated MP-OPV Design

Updated MP-OPV design

Artist impression of the updated MP-OPV design for the Lithuanian Navy in action. Naval Group image.

Naval Group also unveiled the latest iteration of its MP-OPV design, reflecting discussions with the Lithuanian Navy and incorporating requirements tailored to the customer's operational needs.

Compared with the earlier concept, the updated design features a substantially heavier combat system, approaching corvette-level capabilities, including:

• OTO 76mm main gun
• Vertical Launch System (VLS) for surface-to-air missiles (possibly CAMM or VL MICA)
• Two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers (for Naval Strike Missile)
• Two MARLIN 30mm Remote Weapon Stations (RWS)

The CGI also shows:

• A new radar up mast, likely Hensoldt's TRS-4D (the previous design featured a radar dome, likely with Thales NS series radar)
• A STIR 1.2 fire control radar (FCR)
• A VTOL UAV (the V-200 by UMS Skeldar) flying alongside the vessel
• Ice-reinforced hull (at least "basic ice class"), as the vessels are shown operating in icy waters

Platform Origins and Modularity

The MP-OPV is a highly modular and heavily armed platform derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform (MWP), developed for Belgium and the Netherlands under the rMCM (City Class) programme. It retains a high level of commonality with the six 2,800-ton MCMVs ordered by each country.

Previous MP-OPV configuration

The previous configuration of MP-OPV. Naval Group image.

Key Enhancements Over the MWP

Contacted by Naval News, Naval Group explained that the MP-OPV enhances the "Multi-Purpose" character of the Belgian-Dutch MWP:

• MWP multi-role capability: Derived from its mission bay, which allows launch and recovery of any type of drones and 12.5-meter-long assets in a wide range of sea conditions.
• MP-OPV enhancements:
• Adopts the MWP's proven "core concept" from the rMCM programme
• Significantly enhances versatility with an extended stern deck, allowing installation of eight 20-foot containers (facilitating integration of mining systems or other containerized systems)
• Features a reinforced flight deck, enabling landing of a 6-ton class helicopter, facilitating special forces deployment

The native self-defense capabilities of the MWP are considerably enhanced and supplemented, equipping the MP-OPV with armament that allows it to engage any aerial target and any surface target at significantly increased distances, meeting Lithuanian requirements. The Lithuanian Navy plans to fully mod...