As we wrote this morning on the occasion of the DEFEA defense equipment exhibition, the "battle" for corvettes has heated up. Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of the Naval Group and Giorgos Prokopiou on behalf of NAFS, confirmed the strength of their long-term commitment to the restoration of real warship production capacity in Greece, with the first implementation of fully local production of the Gowind corvettes, in as part of the upcoming Navy's corvette program.
The Partnership Agreement signed in March 2023 between NAFS and Naval Group highlights the proactive approach of the parties, the strength of their strategic partnership and their contribution to the revitalization of shipbuilding capacity in Greece.
Naval Group has a unique and proven experience in Transfer of Technology (ToT), which will benefit the Hellenic Navy and Greek industry and also guarantee the timely delivery of the Gowind HN warships. The ToT proposed at Skaramangas Shipyards is broad and aims at a complete production cycle of all corvettes to be built in Greece (from slab cutting to delivery, through block erection, equipment, commissioning and testing for platform and the combat system).
This will create an effective and robust Greek capability, allowing for the construction of further ships with full autonomy as well as supporting the Gowind HN and the ships of the Hellenic Navy in general. Beyond the scope of the defense industry, this cooperation will benefit the maritime sector in general.
The acquisition of the assets of the Scaramanga Shipyards has been finalized and the exclusive companies that will exploit the civil and military activities have been established. In the latter, NAFS and the Naval Group are working together to upgrade the shipyard's capabilities in order to ensure the delivery schedule of the corvettes.
From the beginning of the Hellenic Corvette project, Naval Group's approach has been guided and shaped by the following key factors:
• A strong program of Greek Industrial Participation with a clear goal of exceeding for the corvette program 30% of the return for the Greek industrial ecosystem, with the creation of highly skilled jobs in Greece.
•Restoration of full autonomy in Greece for shipbuilding and subsequent support of warships, with access to other markets.
• Maximum commonality and interoperability between Gowind HN and FDI HN.
• Superiority in all areas of military operations
Through this strategic partnership, Naval Group and NAFS reiterate their full commitment to Greek Industry through the Gowind HN program, in the interest of the Hellenic Navy
