On May 21, 2026, EUROGUARD project marked a major milestone at the Baltic Workboats shipyard in Nasva, Estonia, hosting its Critical Design Review (CDR) alongside the prototype vessel hull presentation and a virtual system demonstration.
Event brought together consortium partners and representatives of participating Member States, highlighting progress in one of the largest projects funded under the European Defence Fund.
“The Critical Design Review confirms that the EUROGUARD system is moving from design to operational reality,” said Project Coordinator Martin Laur. “It reflects strong European cooperation in delivering next-generation maritime defence capabilities.”
The review will validate the design of the EUROGUARD demonstrator, integrating advanced technologies into a modular, semi-autonomous maritime platform. Participants will also see the physical progress of the prototype vessel and experience a virtual demonstration of its operational capabilities.
EUROGUARD is developing a 45-meter semi-autonomous modular vessel designed for missions such as surveillance and recconoisance, mine countermeasures, drone operations, and search and rescue. The €95 million project is funded by the European Defence Fund (€65 million) and participating countries and industry (€30 million).
Coordinated by Baltic Workboats, the project brings together 27 organisations from ten European countries, strengthening Europe’s defence innovation and industrial cooperation.
About EUROGUARD
EUROGUARD is a European Defence Fund project focused on developing modular, semi-autonomous surface vessels with advanced remote-control systems and sustainable propulsion. Running from 2023 to 2027, it aims to enhance Europe’s maritime security capabilities.
About the European Defence Fund
The European Defence Fund supports collaborative defence research and development, fostering innovation and strengthening Europe’s defence industry.
About Baltic Workboats
Baltic Workboats is an Estonian shipbuilder located in Saaremaa, specialising in high-quality workboats, patrol vessels, passenger ferries, and other special-purpose vessels. Over 90% of its production is exported internationally.
Photos by Pilleli Läets and Hannes Raimla
