27 naval shipbuilding specialists and 10 member states have joined forces to develop a Medium-sized Semi-Autonomous Surface (MSAS) vessel. This EUROGUARD project is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF).
The aim of the project is to study, design, prototype and demonstrate the viability of a modular and semi-autonomous surface vessel platform equipped with a remote-control system, aiming to strengthen sea defence capabilities across Europe. The consortium is coordinated by the Estonian shipbuilding and engineering company Baltic Workboats, which will build the MSAS prototype dedicated for the Baltic region.
The European Defence Fund initiative EUROGUARD project integrates advanced technology to develop a groundbreaking modular, medium-sized, semi-autonomous surface vessel prototype for multi-mission capabilities.
The EDF project EUROGUARD keel laying in Estonia
EUROGUARD recently marked a major milestone with the keel laying of the first 45-meter prototype vessel at the Baltic Workboats shipyard in Estonia. This semi-autonomous platform is being designed to perform a wide range of missions through interchangeable modules, integrating capabilities such as mine countermeasures, drone operations, search and rescue, and seabed monitoring.
The EUROGUARD project, funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), was officially commenced in Estonia in 2025. With an investment of almost 100 million, the project involves a collaboration between 27 enterprises and the cooperation of 10 EU Member States. The consortium is coordinated by the Estonian shipbuilding company Baltic Workboats with OMT as a key technology contributor. The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a modular and semi-autonomous surface vessel platform equipped with a remote control system, aiming to strengthen sea defence capabilities across Europe. The kick-off involved workshops in Tallinn and a shipyard visit to Nasva, Saaremaa.
OMT is part of a consortium of 27 companies and research institutes from France, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Spain and Estonia. The project total budget amounts to 95 million euros, with 65 million euros from the European Commission and 30 million euros from participating countries and companies themselves. “With modularity and adaptability being the core of OMT naval ship designs, the EUROGUARD project is a great platform for demonstration of seamless integration of mission modules and payload systems using the CUBEDIN concept”, says Thomas Eefsen, CCO of OMT. The specific capabilities of the prototype will be determined through multi-year research and development activities, but in general, the vessel should be capable of autonomous navigation, obstacle and threat detection, collision avoidance, and other mission-specific tasks. The prototype must adhere to the principle of modularity, allowing it to be assembled according to specific needs or tasks. Innovation is also expected in the propulsion system, with environmental sustainability being an important keyword.
The Project scope will include the production of a prototype vessel for testing purposes. The prototype’s sea trials will also be conducted in Estonian waters in collaboration with the Estonian Navy. It is planned to be finished and tested by the end of 2027.
EUROGUARD will combine state-of-the-art and innovative technologies to study, design, prototype and test a first-of-its-kind versatile medium-sized semi-autonomous surface naval vessel. The sea trials will be conducted in Estonian waters in collaboration with the Estonian Navy. It is planned to be finished and tested by the end of 2027. “The EDF funded four-year project EUROGUARD is a major step forward in EU cross-border cooperation at both industrial and governmental levels in the naval sector. EUROGUARD reinforces the European Defence Industrial and Technological Base, and fosters greater, and concrete defence cooperation while providing EU navies with a multipurpose and cost-effective capability for littoral operational environments” noted Francisco Casalduero, Programme Manager at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space.
The EUROGUARD consortium comprises the following organisations:
The European Defence Fund aims to strengthen the European defence industry and promote research and development in the field. The fund supports the development of innovative projects aiming to improve and increase defence capabilities across the EU.
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For more information, please contact:
Thomas Eefsen
Chief Commercial Officer