Egypt has commenced construction of a new fleet of coastal protection vessels in partnership with Germany’s NVL Group, marking a significant leap in the nation’s naval modernization and domestic shipbuilding capability. The milestone program began in September at Alexandria Shipyard, with work supervised by NVL Egypt, a subsidiary of the German shipbuilder.
The new PV43-M class vessels, each measuring 43 meters (141 feet), are equipped with advanced European-made weapon systems optimized for coastal surveillance, reconnaissance, and maritime infrastructure protection. The agreement, awarded to NVL Egypt in 2023, is the first naval program to be fully built in Egypt, incorporating technology transfer and technical support from NVL’s German headquarters.
According to the Egyptian Navy, the collaboration strengthens both operational readiness and industrial self-reliance, helping establish Egypt as a regional hub for modern naval production. The program includes the construction of ten vessels, representing a major investment in the country’s defense industrial base and maritime security.
The PV43-M initiative adds to a string of recent naval advancements. Egypt has previously acquired FREMM frigates from Italy’s Fincantieri, Gowind 2500 corvettes from France’s Naval Group, and Type 209/1400 submarines from Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. It also operates two Mistral-class helicopter carriers from France, which serve as the flagships of its expanding blue-water fleet.
