Kership kicks off construction of new patrol vessels for Montenegro

French shipyard Kership has commenced the construction of two new patrol vessels for the needs of the Montenegrin Navy.

As disclosed, the ships represent a new pillar of national security while the country strives towards modernization of its armed forces.

The new patrol vessels are designed to perform a wide range of missions: from surveillance of territorial waters and combating smuggling and illegal migration, to participating in international NATO missions.

According to the country’s Ministry of Defense, the units will bear the names Petar I Njegoš and Petar II Njegoš. This decision reflects the fact that Montenegro’s security is deeply rooted in history.

“This project marks the beginning of a new era for the Montenegrin Navy—an era in which we are not dependent on others, but contribute meaningfully to our community of allies. An era in which we protect not only our seas and our history, but also our word,” the officials commented.

To remind, Kership signed the shipbuilding contract for the two OPV-60M patrol vessels in November last year. The project falls within the scope of the defense agreement signed earlier by the two countries and will be supported by the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l’Armement). 

The deliveries are scheduled for 2026.