EU member states start work on project for next-generation warship for the 2040s

Could a European military ship of the future soon see the light of day? 

Euronaval, one of Europe's largest naval warfare trade shows held this week in Paris came to an end with hopes for stronger pan-European cooperation in the maritime defence industry.

The European Defence Agency said member states have started working on the idea of building a next-generation combat ship for the 2040s.

Ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's promise to reduce military support to the EU, have prompted many to believe it's time for Europe to prioritise its defence sovereignty.

"Everyone knows that Europe is a large entity capable of ambitious programs," Hugues d'Argentré, the director of Euronaval, told Euronews.

"If we want to be on the level of  China, the USA and India, we can't be fragmented. We can't have Spain doing their programs by themselves, or Italy and France working alone if we want to have a European navy that can meet the demands of the future of warfare."

"We all dream of a European frigate as a joint project. Multiple countries have attempted to launch the project but it never worked. Hopefully, one day we'll achieve this," he said.

After initial talks this summer, one of the requirements presented by the member states is for the future vessel to be a 'smart ship' – one that incorporates technologies such as artificial intelligence.

An idea that's warmly welcomed by the union representing the French naval industry.

"All this is a good sign that we can further increase our cooperation at the European level," said Jean-Marie Dumon, the deputy general of GICAN, the trade association that represents more than 250 French companies in the maritime sector.

"But there needs to be a willingness on the part of member states to place orders. That's what also motivates us to be able to provide them with the naval resources to ensure their sovereignty with a European dimension and within a NATO framework," he said in an interview with Euronews.

The bloc's defence ministers will be meeting in Brussels on 19 November to discuss the project and potentially sign a letter of intent.