The Lithuanian shipbuilding company Western Baltic Engineering is developing a project for the advanced patrol ship Perkūnas in cooperation with foreign partners.

Lithuanian newspaper Klaipeda reported on this.

At the Lithuanian Navy’s request, the local shipbuilding company Western Shipyard Group has started developing a national patrol ship, creating a concept for a promising vessel.

This is the first project of its kind for the Lithuanian company, so the work is being carried out in cooperation with the Danish company OSK Design. It is expected to be built at the local shipyard, Western Shipyard in Klaipeda, once the design is completed.

The ship’s design is called Perkūnas, which means Thunder and symbolizes a warrior figure of ancient Lithuanian and Baltic mythology.

Perkūnas

The 88-meter-long patrol vessel will have a 4.5-meter draft hull, adapted for maneuvering in shallow water and the open sea. Thanks to 6 MW engines, the conceptual design allows for a speed of over 18 knots.

Due to its size and technological capabilities, the ship will be able to be effectively used for patrolling and critical infrastructure protection operations. In addition, the ship will be able to perform strike missions and provide air defense.

The ship’s graphic model shows an advanced mast with a radar system and two artillery pieces: a main gun and an anti-aircraft module, which is visually similar to the Skyranger 35.

In addition, the vessel can also carry out reconnaissance missions, mine clearance and carry payloads as an auxiliary.

The same image captures a helicopter landing pad located in the stern, as well as onboard hangars for the rapid launching of speedboats.

The ship’s crew is reported to consist of 30-60 people. Such an error may indicate the possibility of placing additional equipment on board for landing troops or operators.

The construction and expansion of the patrol fleet are more relevant than ever for Lithuania, given the tense situation in the Baltic Sea and numerous “accidental” incidents with the breakage of underwater energy lines and communication cables.

In addition, the development and eventual construction of a ship of this class will provide the country with new technological competencies and a contribution to Lithuania’s shipbuilding potential, which will become a pillar for other future projects.