The milestone described requires ships of both configurations to be constructed by 2029. That timetable explains the intended 2026 start. EPC is expected to offer useful capability, but its delivery remains uncertain in this assessment. Participating countries are already procuring other frigates and vessels. Prolonged committees, compromise, and insufficient production could encourage further withdrawals. Programme collapse is presented as a possible outcome rather than an event that has happened.
Notable Point · 1:18:33-1:20:13
EPC construction milestones and the risk of delay
Reported 2029 milestones and existing national orders make prolonged negotiation a risk to the programme's prospects.