Estonia Launches Semi-Autonomous Vessel Project for European Navies

The Estonian government, in collaboration with local shipbuilder Baltic Workboats, has initiated a four-year project to develop a semi-autonomous vessel prototype for European naval forces.

EUROGUARD, an acronym for EUROpean Goal based mUlti mission Autonomous naval Reference platform Development, represents one of the largest transnational development and innovation projects co-financed by the European Defence Fund, with an estimated cost of approximately €95 million ($103 million).

The collaboration involves 23 companies and research institutions from 10 European Union member states, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. The primary objective of the EUROGUARD program is to create a universal vessel platform that can be modularly adapted for various missions.

Ats Janno, the head of Estonia’s Centre for Defence Investments’ project management office, emphasized the shared interest in advancing shipbuilding technologies. "Our joint interest is to advance shipbuilding technologies and develop a universal vessel platform that can be modularly adapted according to missions," said Janno in a statement.

The European Commission, the executive body of the EU, highlighted the project's potential to enhance the rapid response capabilities of EU naval fleets. In a statement, the Commission mentioned the aim to achieve well-coordinated EU naval vessel fleets equipped with advanced platform and weapon systems. The project also aims to explore the use of midsize semi-autonomous vessels for various operations in coastal areas.

Baltic Workboats, based in Nasva on one of Estonia’s Baltic Sea islands, is known for constructing patrol vessels, pilot boats, search and rescue vessels, and various craft for both military and civilian applications. The project also involves key industry players, including Damen from the Netherlands, Fincantieri from Italy, Kongsberg Maritime from Norway, Leonardo from Italy, Naval Group, Thales, and Safran Electronics and Defense from France, Navantia from Spain, Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej from Poland, SH Defence from Denmark, and SSPA Maritime Center from Sweden, according to the European Commission.