An Egyptian subsidiary has begun production of 10 high-tech patrol vessels for the Egyptian Navy to be used for surveillance and defense.
NVL Egypt, a subsidiary of German company Naval Vessels Lürssen, is building 10 PV43-M patrol vessels for the Navy. NVL Egypt was founded in 2022. The company said production began in late 2025, after it was selected as the main contractor two years earlier.
The PV43 is a 43-meter-long offshore patrol vessel designed for maritime surveillance, emergency response and asset protection. It can be configured with large guns and anti-ship missiles, according to defenceWeb.
“This program represents a strategic milestone in strengthening Egypt’s naval forces, as 10 state-of-the-art naval vessels will be built entirely in Egypt, in cooperation with Alexandria Shipyard and with technical support from the German parent company NVL,” the company said in a news release.
“At the same time, the program will significantly contribute to the development of Egypt’s national naval industry, through the transfer of technology and the localization of expertise.”
The company said it also is developing maintenance services, spare parts, training and technical support. The goal is to ensure long-term readiness and sustainability.
Egypt has one of Africa’s largest navies. Its fleet of about 140 vessels includes eight submarines and 42 offshore patrol boats, according to a 2024 report by Business Insider Africa. It has an estimated 32,500 personnel.
The PV43-M is based on a Croatian OOB-31, which typically is armed with a 30 mm cannon, two manually controlled 12.7 mm machine guns and surface-to-air missiles. The ship can hold 16 crewmembers and stay at sea for 10 days. Its top speed is about 28 knots, with an optimal cruising speed of 15 knots.
Lürssen has supplied Egypt with multiple vessels, including nine 40-meter patrol ships and a single 60-meter coastal defense ship five years ago. Egypt has collaborated with NVL on several projects, including the CC-60, a 60-meter ship fitted with 3D radar, electronic warfare measures and a broad suite of weaponry, defenceWeb reported. The CC-60 also has anti-submarine warfare capabilities and can accommodate drones and light helicopters.