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FinanceNaval Group unveils upgraded MP-OPV design for Lithuanian Navy with corvette-level armament
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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, the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, and the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology) signed a Letter of Intent in Vilnius to establish SHIELD Lab. The lab will support the Lithuanian Navy's future capability development, focusing on R&D for the MP-OPV program and the international VANTAGE program. The updated MP-OPV design features corvette-level armament including an OTO 76mm main gun, a VLS for surface-to-air missiles, two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers, and two MARLIN 30mm RWS. The vessel is derived from Naval Group's Mine Warfare Platform developed for Belgium and the Netherlands, with enhanced versatility including an extended stern deck for containerized systems and a reinforced flight deck for a 6-ton helicopter.
Source report
By: Dimitris Mitsopoulos
The updated MP-OPV design for the Lithuanian Navy. (Naval Group image)
Naval Group unveils a more heavily armed, multirole MP-OPV for Lithuania, backed by the SHIELD Lab initiative.
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 forms part of Naval Group’s industrial cooperation proposal for Lithuania’s Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel (MP-OPV) programme.
At the residence of the French Ambassador in Vilnius, Naval Group, together with KTU, Klaipėda University, BPTI and FTMC, signed a joint LoI, launching the creation of the SHIELD Lab maritime defence innovation laboratory. (Naval Group image)
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
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
- VLS for surface-to-air missiles (possibly CAMM or VL MICA)
- Two quadruple anti-ship missile launchers (for Naval Strike Missile)
- Two MARLIN 30mm RWS
- New radar mast (likely Hensoldt’s TRS-4D), replacing the previous radar dome (likely with Thales NS series radar)
- STIR 1.2 fire control radar (FCR)
- VTOL UAV: V-200 by UMS Skeldar
The vessels are shown operating in icy waters, indicating an ice-reinforced hull (at least "basic ice class").
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, while retaining a high level of commonality with the six 2,800-ton MCMVs ordered by each country.
The previous configuration of MP-OPV. In addition to the standard Bofors 40 Mk4 gun and two SEA DEFENDER 12.7 mm RWS of the rMCM platform, the proposed configuration included two MPLS launchers, two SYLENA Mk2 decoy-launching systems, and integration with the SEAQUEST-S USV. (Naval Group image)
Enhanced Capabilities
Contacted by Naval News, Naval Group explained that the MP-OPV enhances the "Multi-Purpose" character of the Belgian-Dutch MWP. While the MWP derives its multi-role capability from its mission bay—allowing launch and recovery of any type of drone and 12.5-metre-long systems in a wide range of sea conditions—the MP-OPV not only adopts this "core concept" (proven through the rMCM programme) but also significantly enhances versatility with:
- Extended stern deck: Allows installation of eight 20-foot containers, facilitating integration of mining systems or other containerized systems
- Reinforced flight deck: Enables landing of a 6-ton class helicopter, supporting special forces deployment
Furthermore, the native self-defence capabilities of the MWP are considerably enhanced and supplemented, equipping the MP-OPV with armament that allows engagement of any aerial and surface target at significantly increased distances, meeting Lithuanian requirements.
The Lithuanian Navy plans to fully modernize its fleet.
Source
Naval NewsWestern
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Naval Group Offers Latest MP-OPV Design for Lithuanian Navy