France's Naval Group Offers Advanced Patrol Vessels to Lithuania Amid Baltic Sea Threats

Lithuania is looking to bolster its naval defenses with the planned acquisition of four multi-purpose patrol vessels. The Baltic Sea's security, increasingly threatened by underwater infrastructure damage and the ongoing war in Ukraine, necessitates modern naval solutions. French defense giant Naval Group is positioning itself to meet these needs, offering vessels equipped with advanced capabilities.

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But, following publicly available information and what has happened in the Baltic Sea recently, we have all heard about critical maritime infrastructure, which is a sensitive European asset, especially for the European Union. It requires a lot of attention, monitoring, and protection. Naval Group offers products and services related to that.

Guillaume Weisrock, Naval Group's vice president for sales and business development in Europe and North America, emphasized the evolving threats in European waters. He noted that while he is not a military expert, the company responds to client needs based on perceived threats. The recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, particularly concerning critical underwater infrastructure, underscore the importance of enhanced monitoring and protection.

Weisrock highlighted that the company's proposed solution for Lithuania includes advanced mine warfare and detection systems, similar to those being supplied to Belgium and the Netherlands. These systems utilize unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to detect and neutralize mines, reducing the need for manned vessels in dangerous areas. The multi-purpose patrol vessels would also feature enhanced self-defense capabilities against missiles and drones.

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We see not only a growing threat but also a diversification of threats, and that should also be considered. And it doesn't matter if we are talking about the Baltic Sea or not. As is heard publicly and as many have noticed, states want more equipment and want to get it as soon as possible.

The war in Ukraine has accelerated the demand for naval equipment, with states seeking faster delivery of solutions. This urgency shortens decision-making cycles. Naval Group's offering to Lithuania aims to address these contemporary challenges, providing a versatile platform capable of various naval operations and defense requirements in the unique environment of the Baltic Sea.

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This system is also suitable for underwater warfare and for underwater surveillance. Belgium and the Netherlands will each have 6 ships with such a system. So, to answer your question, yes, we at Naval Group monitor and try to anticipate what threats may arise. We are offering Lithuania a variant of the aforementioned system on a multi-purpose ship.