Egypt has commenced production of a new class of coastal protection vessels, the PV43-M, in partnership with German shipbuilder NVL Group. The project, managed by NVL Egypt at Alexandria Shipyard, represents a major step toward strengthening the Egyptian Navy’s coastal defense and domestic shipbuilding capacity. Construction began in September, marking the start of a program to produce ten 43-meter vessels tailored for surveillance, reconnaissance, and protection missions along Egypt’s coastlines. Each vessel will feature advanced European-designed weapon and sensor systems optimized for maritime infrastructure protection. The PV43-M project, awarded to NVL Egypt in 2023, is the first naval program to be fully executed in Egypt under a technology transfer arrangement with German technical supervision. This approach aims to enhance local industrial capability, workforce training, and long-term sustainment independence. The project builds upon Egypt’s broader naval modernization strategy, which includes the acquisition of FREMM frigates from Fincantieri, Gowind corvettes from Naval Group, and Type 209/1400 submarines from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The new PV43-M fleet will complement these larger combatants, providing enhanced coastal coverage and operational flexibility. NVL Group stated that the collaboration underscores its commitment to supporting Egypt’s long-term shipbuilding infrastructure and regional security objectives. The program is expected to create local employment opportunities and foster technological self-reliance within Egypt’s growing defense industrial base.
