Deputy Prime Minister Bečić visits KERSHIP shipyard in Lanester

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, together with Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović, Chief of the General Staff Miodrag Vuksanović, Navy Commander Darko Vuković, Ambassador of Montenegro to France Dubravka Lalović and associates, visited the KERSHIP shipyard in Lanester, France, where the largest defence-sector project in Montenegro’s recent history is being implemented: the construction of two modern patrol vessels for the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, to be named Petar I Njegoš and Petar II Njegoš.

The visit took place seven months after construction of the first vessel began and at a moment when the project has entered a visibly operational and technologically significant phase, with clear progress on the first vessel and the commencement and substantial advancement of works on the second. This further confirms the strong dynamics and seriousness of the implementation of this major investment in national security.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Bečić emphasized that the project represents a strong political, security and partnership message.

This impressive project is the crown of the traditional alliance between France and Montenegro. Partners throughout history, allies in key historical challenges, today NATO partners, with France strongly supporting Montenegro’s European path. It is a particular pleasure that this visit is taking place at a time when, thanks to the support of France and other European partners, Montenegro has taken another major step forward on its European path by closing five negotiating chapters, Bečić stated.

Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović assessed that the construction of the OPV 60M patrol vessels represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of Montenegro’s naval capabilities and a confirmation of a credible partnership with France.

Through this project, the protection of state interests at sea is significantly enhanced, national security is strengthened, and Montenegro’s international credibility as a reliable and responsible NATO ally is further reinforced, he said.

During the tour of the production facilities, members of the delegation were introduced to the dynamics of the works, applied technological solutions and the level of project implementation.

For the first time since the beginning of construction, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence symbolically stepped onto the deck of the first OPV 60M vessel, marking a new, concrete and tangible step in the realization of this strategic programme.

The importance of the continuous presence of a Montenegrin expert team, composed of members of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, at the KERSHIP shipyard was particularly emphasized, as this represents an important segment of quality control and future operational readiness.

Here we are not only building impressive ships, but also building trust, transferring knowledge and developing long-term cooperation. The continuous presence of members of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Montenegro in the construction process is the best guarantee of quality, transparency and full readiness of these capabilities for future use. The fact that, as we heard from our hosts today, there are currently around 130, and on average about 100, French experts and workers engaged daily, speaks to the excellent progress so far, bearing in mind that planned deadlines are being respected. We expect the project to continue according to the planned dynamics, given its exceptional complexity and demands, so that the first patrol vessel will arrive in Montenegro in the spring and the second in the autumn of 2027, Bečić emphasized.

The OPV 60M patrol vessels are approximately 64 metres long and equipped with the modern “Polaris” command-and-control system, a modular design and the possibility of further technological upgrades. Their mission includes surveillance and protection of territorial waters, maritime traffic safety, combating illegal activities, as well as participation in international and NATO operations.

The interlocutors agreed that this project further strengthens relations between Montenegro and France, not only in the field of defence, but also in the broader context of political trust, European integration and shared responsibility for regional stability and security.