Romania cancelled Gowind-class corvettes project with Naval Group

In 2019 the Romanian authorities announced the selection of Naval Group and its partner Santierul Naval Constanta (SNC) for the programme to build four new Gowind multi-mission corvettes, to modernize the T22 frigates and to create a maintenance centre and a training centre.

Three European bidders – France’s Naval Group, Dutch Damen, and Italy’s Fincantieri – competed for the contract which required the corvettes to be built in a Romanian shipyard.

The deal for four Gowind 2500-class corvettes is valued at €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion), and also includes the modernization of two T-22 frigates and the construction of a maintenance and training center. Also included in the deal is local Romanian ship yard Santierul Naval Constanta, which partnered with Naval Group for the bid.

The ships are to be equipped with MBDA-made missiles and a Thales-built radar system. First deliveries are expected in 2022, though the details still have to be worked out in finalizing contracts.

After two months, the military prosecutor’s office referred the investigation to the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), signaling that they may have stumbled over evidence of corruption. In May 2020, after a year of investigations, the DNA closed the case for lack of evidence.

As explained by the ministry, the procedure was put on hold until irregularities discovered in the tender procedure are investigated.

Three European bidders – France’s Naval Group, Dutch Damen, and Italy’s Fincantieri – competed for the contract which required the corvettes to be built in a Romanian shipyard.

The Romanian defense ministry announced it is suspending the tender for the procurement of four new multi-role corvettes and upgrades of two frigates currently in service with the Romanian Navy.

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