Naval Group France

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ABOUT NAVAL GROUP​

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defence and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds, integrates and maintains submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, through to dismantling. It also provides services for shipyards and naval bases. A high-tech company, it builds on its exceptional expertise, its unique design and production resources and its ability to set up strategic partnerships and successful transfers of technology. Attentive to the challenges of corporate social responsibility, Naval Group is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. With operations on five continents, the group has a turnover of 4.3 billion euros and employs 16 029 people

Naval Group ⎮ An International Group

Naval Group, european leader in naval defence, serves the strategic operations of more than 50 navies.

www.naval-group.com

 

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Charles de Gaulle: a closer look at the replacement of the “boilers”​

Having entered the Vauban dock at the naval base in Toulon on 16 May, the Charles de Gaulle has been placed in dry dock for a period of scheduled maintenance. Under the supervision of the Fleet support service (SSF), the teams from Naval Group’s Services Department are maintaining and upgrading its systems. This includes the replacement of the rear engine's distillation and demineralisation systems, more commonly known as “boilers”, used to produce fresh water on board.


Conducted between two major technical stops, the aim of mid-cycle docking (MCD) for the aircraft carrier is to restore its full potential and upgrade certain systems. As a result, the 2023 MCD for the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle comprises a significant amount of work to be carried out within a tight deadline, to allow the flagship of the French Navy to return to its operational cycle in a timely manner.

A large-scale operation within a packed schedule​

The 2023 MCD program comprises no less than 1,900 though-life support lines and more than twenty major modifications, including the hospital refit, replacement of the TACAN Ng, renovation of areas dedicated to naval staff and crew living quarters, as well as the replacement of two of the vessel’s four boilers. These seawater distillation systems enable fresh water to be provided for the ship’s crew, as well as nuclear grade distilled and demineralised water for the production of steam, which is essential for the vessel to function. With an equivalent volume – each weighing 9.2 tonnes unladen and measuring 4 metres x 3 metres x 2.70 metres – these new boilers will each increase the quantity of fresh water produced per day from 130 to 180 tonnes.

A European collaboration, a team effort​

Under Naval Group’s supervision, the production and subsequent qualification of this design-critical equipment is the result of European collaboration between Naval Group and its supplier Alfa Laval and its subsidiaries. Alfa Laval was chosen as the supplier, specifically for its compliance with lead times and the availability of qualification resources. Specified in France, designed in Denmark, produced in Germany and qualified full-scale on a test bench in northern Denmark, these two new boilers were technically accepted on 6 June 2023 at a contractual hold point, a decision that gave the go-ahead to dismantle the two boilers for replacement.

• Nantes-Indret: product specifications, purchasing, functional engineering and fluid integration engineering, arrangement and operation studies

• Brest: platform integration studies and integrated logistics support

• Angoulême-Ruelle: development of the control and supervision system

• Toulon: for the methods, tool design and modular integration project on board the aircraft carrier.

Unwavering commitment​

“With the customer, our partners and all employees on the group’s various sites, this project, which is a first – never have boilers of this size been replaced on a vessel in service – is currently on schedule thanks to teamwork and unwavering commitment at every stage. With the notification of this order dating back to late May 2022, qualification tests took place just one year later. In addition, the integration of such volumes into an existing environment poses a challenge for both the engineering teams entrusted with design and the site teams responsible for integration. Heavy and complex handling and assembly work on board awaits the teams from Toulon this summer - again with a tight timetable. They will be joined by teams from Indret for mechanical assembly,” says Laurent Sevellec, Platform Program Package Manager at Naval Group. Connections will be performed in October, followed by tests rounding off this flagship 2023 MCD operation.

Charles de Gaulle: a closer look at the replacement of the “boilers” | Naval Group

www.naval-group.com

 

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Naval Group rolls out the Tourville, the third Barracuda class nuclear attack submarine (SSN)​

On 20 July 2023, the third submarine of the Barracuda class has left its construction hall in order to be transferred to the DME floating platform-type shiplift. It is part of a series of six SSNs that will gradually replace the submarines of the Rubis-class currently in service within the French Navy.


This submarine is the third in the Barracuda class. Its rollout is a key step in the program’s progress which will lead to the beginning for its sea trials in 2024. Prior to this, completion work and initial tests will be carried out at quayside.


“A real series dynamic has been created” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group: “The rollout of the third Barracuda submarine is a major milestone for Naval Group and all its partners, in particular TechnicAtome and the CEA (French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy Commission). We are fully committed to this major program, which we are proud to lead on behalf of the DGA and the French Navy, and which will provide France with an unrivalled defense tool. This event is a reminder that French industry is proudly at the service of our armed forces. I salute the commitment of all the men and women involved in making this program a success.”


Naval Group is in charge of the production of these submarines, from their design to their construction, as well as the manufacture of the main components of the nuclear boilers which are developed and produced with TechnicAtome. Naval Group is also in charge of providing logistical support and maintaining the submarines in Toulon.

A program of excellence which mobilises the expertise of the French defense industrial and technological base​

The Barracuda program calls on the skills of all Naval Group sites, as well as on the industrial sites of TechnicAtome and numerous partner companies.


The Barracuda-class submarines will provide the French Navy with a deep strike capability thanks to MBDA's naval cruise missiles (NCM). They are also equipped with the F21 heavyweight torpedo produced by Naval Group and the SM39 anti-ship missile from MBDA. These SSNs also allow the discreet deployment of Special Forces underwater, in particular thanks to its "divers hatch" and the optional carrying of a dry deck shelter allowing for the deployment of underwater vehicles.


This technological and capability leap is the result of more than twenty years of collective work between Naval Group and hundreds of partners of the defence industrial and technological base.


A total of 2,500 men and women (including around 800 from Naval Group subcontractors) are contributing to the design and production of the Barracuda submarines.

Technical characteristics of the Barracuda SSNs​

• surface displacement: 4,700 tonnes ;
• diving displacement: 5,200 tonnes ;
• length: 99 metres ;
• diameter: 8.8 metres ;
• armament: naval cruise missiles, F21 heavy-weight wire-guided torpedoes, modernised Exocet SM39 anti-ship missiles ;
• hybrid propulsion: pressurised water reactor derived from the reactors on board the Triomphant-type SSBN and Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, two propulsion turbines, two turbo generators and two electric motors ;
• crew: 63 crew members + commandos ;
• availability: > 270 days per year.

Naval Group rolls out the Tourville, the third Barracuda class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defence and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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CONTRACT FOR THE MID-LIFE UGRADE (MLU) OF THE HORIZON CLASS FRIGATES​

OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) has awarded Naviris and eurosam a contract for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the French and Italian Horizon frigates. The two co-contractors, Naviris and eurosam, will work in close relationship with their shareholders, Fincantieri and Naval Group for the frigate, MBDA Italia, MBDA France and Thales for the new generation of Principal Anti-Air Missile System & Long-Range Radar (PAAMS & LRR).


The value of the contract for Naviris and eurosam is euro 1.5 billion. More in detail, in the coming days Naviris will finalize subcontracts, including the one with Fincantieri, which will have a value of 211 million euros and constitutes a major related party transaction defined in compliance with the relevant applicable regulations.


With this upgrade, Horizon class frigates will receive a state-of-the-art modernization of the entire vessel and the enhancement of their anti-warfare capabilities. New weapon systems and associated Command and Control, and electronic warfare suites will provide highest capabilities and performances against the most modern threats. Regarding anti-air warfare, the new generation of PAAMS & LRR is a very significant upgrade and the system will be able to defeat the threats of the decade to come as missiles (hypersonic, ballistic, supersonic sea-skimmer, high velocity cruise), UAVs and highly maneuvering aircrafts, in a saturation attack scenario.


Damien Raby, Naviris’ CEO and Enrico Bonetti, Naviris’ COO declared: “We are very proud of today’s achievement; the contract signed today is the result of a route, jointly walked with our partner eurosam and our Customers: OCCAR, which we sincerely thank for the excellent work done, Directorate of Naval Armaments of the Secretariat General of Defence / National Armaments Directorate and French Armament General Directorate (DGA), started with the award of the feasibility studies which will make even more solid the execution of the programme. This contract is a fundamental step for Naviris in demonstrating its capability to execute a multinational programme and it further reinforces the role of the joint venture as center of gravity in the cooperation among Fincantieri and Naval Group, also with the partnership of Leonardo and SIGEN (ELT and Thales)”.


Eva Bruxmeier, Managing Director of eurosam stated: “PAAMS & LRR, unique System deployed on the four French and Italian frigates, has been successfully engaged all over the world for more than 15 years in synergies with PAAMS & LRR - UK variant deployed on the six Type-45 destroyers. This new generation of PAAMS & LRR for the frigates, developed and produced by eurosam through MBDA Italia, MBDA France and Thales and integrated jointly with Naviris on the frigates, relies on an enhanced missile (ASTER Block 1 NT), an upgraded launcher, two new AESA radars (Kronos Grand Naval from Leonardo and SMART-L MM/N from Thales) and a new open software architecture command and control system”.


The Horizon frigates were originally built between 2000 and 2010 as part of a joint programme between Fincantieri and Naval Group, providing the Italian and French navies with innovative frigates with anti-air capabilities. The PAAMS & LRR system was originally developed and produced, under eurosam responsibility, for the four Horizon class frigates.


Main characteristics of the four Horizon frigates

Length / beam overall: 153 m / 20.3 m

Displacement / full load: 6,500 tons / 7,300 tons

Accommodation: 210 (complement of 190 + 20 passengers)

Range: 7,000 nm at 18 knots

Maximum speed: 29 knots


The type is designed for a range of missions, including high-intensity operations, all with reduced crewing. Horizon frigates are front-line fighting ships with one highly specialized mission: anti-air warfare, also known as Air Defense. The ships’ chief capabilities are thus airspace control over areas of operations, Air Defense command and control and anti-air cover for carrier groups and convoys. Horizon frigates provide protection against high-intensity threats and attacks by anti-ship missiles. They also contribute to air/sea control during military operations by providing air Defense command and control for allied forces. They can also participate in public service missions.

CONTRACT FOR THE MID-LIFE UGRADE (MLU) OF THE HORIZON CLASS FRIGATES

OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) has awarded Naviris and eurosam a contract for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of the French and Italian Horizon frigates. The two co-contractors, Naviris and eurosam, will work in close relationship with their shareholders, Fincantieri and Naval...

www.thalesgroup.com

 

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Naval Group starts operations in India at his newly inaugurated technical workshop at Karwar to support the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class submarines​

Naval Group India’s technical workshop at Karwar industrial area was inaugurated on September 13th, 2023 by the hands of Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area (FOK), in presence of Mr Vincent Martinot-Lagarde, EVP Services of Naval Group, Mr Laurent Videau, Country & Managing Director of Naval Group India, and other senior dignitaries.


The opening of Naval Group India’s technical workshop at Karwar industrial area signifies its long-term commitment towards Indian Navy and the industry. It is strategically located close to the Indian Navy’s Naval Ship Repair Yard at Karwar that shall be home to Indian fleet of aircraft carriers, warships and Kalvari class submarines (based on Naval Group Scorpene® design). Naval Group India is the first subsidiary of any Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) platform designer to establish it physical presence at Karwar, supporting the Government of India’s vision and mission of INS Kadamba also referred as Project Sea Bird.


This workshop will house necessary tools and trained Indian engineers to provide time-bound services together with the support from our qualified partners - Indian Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs). This workshop will complement Naval Group’s other workshops in Mumbai. It aims to perform and support the maintenance activities related, but not limited to, combat system (electronic printed circuit boards, cabinets, peripherals of consoles, etc), electrical system (antenna switching unit, power supply unit(s) for sonar/ Torpedo interface module/ Air surface detection system, starter panel and intercom) and mechanical system (valves, masts, reducers, pressure bottles, etc).

Speaking on the occasion, EVP Services Mr Vincent Martinot-Lagarde said “We are investing up to INR 100 crores for this new workshop. We stand ready to assist the Indian Navy in an adaptive manner for the maintenance of Kalvari class submarines through upcoming refits and more. The opening of our technical workshop is a natural extension of the strategic bilateral cooperation shared between India and France in the field of underwater defence & deterrence in line with our continued commitment towards the Indian Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policy”.


It was further emphasised that Naval Group is regularly empowering the subsidiary and its partners in India, thus enabling much of repair activities in India by reducing the turnaround time as compared to sending it to foreign OEM. As a result, promoting more and more indigenous sourcing.

Naval Group starts operations in India at his newly inaugurated technical workshop at Karwar to support the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class submarines | Naval Group

Naval Group India is a 100 % owned subsidiary of Naval Group, which is headquartered in Paris, France. Established in September 2008 as DCNS India, it has its presence felt in 2 major cities: Mumbai and New Delhi. The main purpose of Naval Group to be in India would be to support the...

www.naval-group.com

 

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NTU Singapore and Naval Group to jointly develop autonomous technologies for vehicles and vessel navigation​

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the French shipbuilder Naval Group, through its subsidiary Naval Group Far East, are collaborating to drive autonomous technologies for vessels and unmanned vehicles.


Two research agreements were inked on 28 September 2023 between NTU Associate Vice President (Strategy & Partnership) Professor Lam Kwok Yan and Naval Group Far East Managing Director Luc Martinelli. These projects amount to S$ 2.3 million.


One project focuses on developing a semi-autonomous vessel navigation system that automates path planning to avoid collisions. The other focuses on developing an artificial intelligence-powered mission planning tool that can allow a fleet of unmanned vehicles to work in tandem and alter its course of action real time in response to emergencies.
These technologies could find applications in areas such as vessel navigation, search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and naval operations.


This partnership draws on the scientific expertise of NTU’s Centre for Advanced Robotics Technology Innovation, a S$45 million research centre launched in 2022, and on Naval Group’s industrial experience and rich heritage in naval engineering, shipbuilding and maritime defence innovative solutions. In particular, in its R&D domain “smart naval forces”, its R&D centre of excellence in Singapore works in close cooperation with the Technical Department and the Autonomous Systems Department.


Through this collaboration, Naval Group and NTU hope to leverage their combined expertise and excellence to conduct innovative research, and to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem that encourages collaboration between academia and maritime industry, thereby facilitating the swift translation of research into practical applications.


NTU Associate Vice President (Strategy & Partnerships) Professor Lam Kwok Yan said: “As a university committed to creating real-world impact, NTU’s research and development efforts are inspired by industry needs, with an eye to develop innovative solutions that can be deployed by industry. NTU’s partnership with Naval Group leverages our strengths in robotics and artificial intelligence, and is yet another example of the University working closely with industry partners to develop advanced solutions that can be tested, demonstrated, and refined in real-world settings.”


Luc Martinelli, Managing Director of Naval Group Far East commented: “This partnership marks a new step in our development in Singapore. We are honoured to be working with NTU’s top researchers and its advanced robotic innovation centre. This partnership with Singapore’s brilliant ecosystems reinforces the group’s commitment to integrating the best of science and research in all our products to better serve our customer.”

NTU Singapore and Naval Group to jointly develop autonomous technologies for vehicles and vessel navigation | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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Naval Group launches the HS Kimon, first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy​

On October 4th 2023, the launching ceremony of the first Hellenic ship (HS) Kimon took place in the Naval Group shipyard of Lorient


The ceremonial launching took place in the presence of Sébastien Lecornu, French minister of the Armed Forces and his Greek counterpart, Nikolaos Dendias. The Chief Executive of the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) and his Greek counterpart, as well as the Chiefs of the French and Hellenic Navies General Staff were also attending the ceremony.


“Greece has honoured Naval Group by choosing the FDI vessels to renew its combat fleet for the Hellenic Navy. This launching is another important step in our strong cooperation with Greece, as it marks the symbolic birth of the HS KIMON frigate for her first contact with the sea. It is also a concrete illustration of Naval Group's commitment to supporting a robust industrial cooperation with the Hellenic industry, growing stronger every day. Naval Group is proud to be moving forward together with all of its French and Greek partners, on this great FDI adventure.” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group.


The launching of the FDI frigate Kimon is a major industrial and symbolic milestone in the FDI program for the Hellenic Navy. The contract for the procurement of three frigates, plus one optional, was signed with Grece on 24th March 2022. All three frigates are in production. The first pre-outfitted block of the second unit HS Nearchos has just been transferred into the dry dock for the keel laying, and the first steel-cutting of the third HS Formion frigate occurred on July 12th 2023. The next steps for HS Kimon are the first sea going scheduled for 2024, and the delivery in 2025.


This event also highlights the success of the strong and long-term industrial cooperation between France and Greece, as many Greek industrials are fully integrated in Naval Group’s supply chain and were present in Lorient for the ceremony.

An innovative, powerful and digital frigate​

The HS Kimon frigate is a 4,500-ton class high sea warship. Multipurpose and resilient, she features high level capabilities in all naval combat domains: anti-ship, anti-air, antisubmarine and special forces projection, with unique capabilities against asymmetric threats. She benefits from Thales’ latest innovations in radar, sonar and electronic warfare.


Strongly armed (MBDA Exocet MM40 B3C anti-surface missiles and Aster anti-air missiles, RAM systems, MU90 antisubmarine torpedoes, artillery), the HS Kimon frigate embarks simultaneously a helicopter and a capacity of aerial vehicle (UAV).


She also benefits from the expertise of Thales, MBDA, and all our other partners and subcontractors.

Technical specifications of the HS Kimon:​

• displacement: 4,500 tons ;

• length: approx. 122 meters ;

• width: 18 meters ;

• maximum speed: 27 knots ;

• aviation facilities: 10-ton class helicopter, VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

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The main armaments of the HS Kimon are:​

• 32 Aster missiles developed by MBDA ;

• 8 Exocet MM40 B3C missiles developed by MBDA ;

• RAM missiles ;

• MU 90 torpedoes developed by Naval Group ;

• 76 mm gun ;

• 4 torpedo tubes ;

• CANTO counter measures developed by Naval Group.

Naval Group launches the HS Kimon, first FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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Launching of the Vlissingen, second mine countermeasure vessel of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme​

The launching ceremony of the Vlissingen, second of the twelve mine countermeasure vessels of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme, intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy, took place on October 19th 2023 in Concarneau in the presence of the Chiefs of Navy of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy, and the representative of the Chief of Staff of the French Navy. The launching was carried out by Kership, which builds the ships in Concarneau on behalf of Naval Group, general contractor.


This programme was awarded in 2019 to Belgium Naval & Robotics, the consortium formed by Naval Group and Exail1 , following an international competition. It provides for the supply to the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy of twelve mine countermeasures vessels and around a hundred drones integrated inside a toolbox that will equip the vessels.


Naval Group, as overall architect and prime contractor, is responsible for the design of the ships, the overall integration, and the testing and commissioning of the mission system (combat system and mine countermeasures system).
Kership, a joint venture between Naval Group and Piriou, is in charge of the production of the twelve vessels which are assembled in Concarneau and Lanester.


Exail, as co-contractor, is in charge of the unmanned drones’ system. Most of these drones will be produced in Ostend, Belgium. The maintenance of the ships will be carried out in Belgium in close collaboration between the Belgian Navy and Naval Group Belgium, with the assistance of its partner Flanders Ship Repair.


The Vlissingen, second vessel of the program and first one intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy, will be delivered in 2025.


The first vessel, Oostende, intended for the Belgian Navy, has been launched on March 29th 2023, while the keel for the third of the twelve vessels, the M941 Tournai, also intended for the Belgian Navy, was laid. The keel of the fourth vessel, the Scheveningen, second vessel intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy, was laid on July 19th 2023.The delivery of the Oostende is scheduled for the end of 2024 in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Deliveries of the other vessels will then be staggered until 2030.


Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group said: « this ship is once again the symbol of great industrial cooperation, but also that of great European cooperation. The Vlissingen is now launched less than 53 months after the contract came into force. This success is the fruit of the cooperative work of the engineering teams of Naval Group, the production teams of Kership and the Piriou shipyard, and the teams of the Belgian and Dutch administrations whom I would like to congratulate. »

Launching of the Vlissingen, second mine countermeasure vessel of the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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Launching of the first phase of the European Patrol Corvette project with signature of Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette contract​

On the 24th October 2023, with a ceremony held at OCCAR premises in Rome, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) has signed with a Consortium, coordinated by Naviris and gathering together Fincantieri (Italy), Naval Group (France), Navantia (Spain) and other beneficiaries from Greece, Denmark and Norway (*) all the Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette (MMPC) contractual documents for the implementation of the first phase of the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) project.


The overall value of this first phase is 87 M€ and is strongly supported by the European Commission (EC) through the European Defence Fund (EDF). Indeed, 60 M€ will be funded by the EC in the form of “grants” while the remaining 27 M€ will be funded by the Member States (Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, Greece and Norway) who decided to support the project. OCCAR will manage the full scope of the project, acting as Granting Authority, on mandate of the EC, and Contracting Authority, on mandate of the above-mentioned Member States.


On the same day, the Delegates of the companies signed a consortium agreement, whose objective is to rule the execution of the project, maximizing synergies and collaboration among European shipbuilding industries.
With a duration of 24 months, this MMPC first contract aims to provide the initial design of a next generation class of naval vessel, the European Patrol Corvette (EPC), launched in the context of a PESCO project (1). The EPC will include at first two main versions: the Long Range Multipurpose and the Full Combat Multipurpose, both maximizing innovations, synergies and cross-fertilization among three main European shipbuilding architects and manufacturers Naval Group, Fincantieri, Navantia, linked with the operational needs of the different Navies.


The EPC programme represents a step forward in the European defence cooperation. It will strongly contribute to the European sovereignty in the second line vessels domain, by strengthening the European industry, increasing efficiency and lowering delays to go from the military need to the delivery to Navies. By developing together a new and disruptive class of corvettes, the four companies aim to ensure and foster a European sovereignty based on European "in-house" skills and know-how. This contract signature highlights the capabilities of the nations, through the management by OCCAR, to work efficiently together and to pool the know-how of their prominent naval industries, for supporting the European 1 navies. It also shows how important and effective can be the EDF, to support the European Member States in the development of defence capabilities made in Europe.


Based on innovative and disruptive technologies, the new class will illustrate a group of smart, innovative, affordable, sustainable, interoperable and flexible vessels designed to meet a wide range of missions in a continuously evolving context. Depending on the requirements specified by each Navy, the ships will be able to carry out a wide range of missions in operational contexts as diverse as surveillance on the high seas with a high degree of autonomy, or law enforcement and sovereignty affirmation missions closer to the coast, adapted to the different Navies needs.

Launching of the first phase of the European Patrol Corvette project with signature of Modular and Multirole Patrol Corvette contract | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval Defence and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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Delivery of the first Gowind® corvette for the United Arab Emirates Navy​

The delivery ceremony for the first Gowind® corvette, Bani Yas, ordered by the United Arab Emirates to Naval Group took place on 21 October 2023 in Lorient in the presence of an official delegation from the United Arab Emirates headed by His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Navy.


Bani Yas corvette is the first of the two Gowind® corvettes ordered by the United Arab Emirates to Naval Group in 2019 and built in Lorient, France. Bani Yas corvette was launched in December 2021, left Lorient on 23 October 2023 and is due to arrive in the United Arab Emirates in early December. The second corvette, Al Emarat, launched on 13 May 2022 at Naval Group's Lorient site, will soon be starting her sea trials.


“This day marks a symbolic milestone: the delivery of Bani Yas Gowind® Combat corvette, first unit of this program. Bani Yas and Al Emarat Gowind® Combat corvettes are made to be the best answer to the UAE Naval Forces operational requirements. This program symbolizes our joint commitment to deliver the best and is for sure the first step in a strong cooperation and longterm strategic partnership with the UAE.” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group.


Bani Yas class corvettes benefit from the modular design of the Gowind® family and will enable the UAE Navy to meet current and future challenges with the most advanced technologies. As part of Naval Group's service solutions to meet all the needs of modern navies, the UAE Navy's crew is trained in the operational use of the vessels.


The commercial success of the Gowind® corvette is significant, with 12 units already selected by various navies and most of the ships locally built through technology transfer and partnerships with the local industry.

Delivery of the first Gowind® corvette for the United Arab Emirates Navy | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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The MIRICLE Project concludes successfully, showing innovations in Mine Coutermeasures for European maritime defense​

As the European Defence Industrial Development Programme's (EDIDP) MIRICLE project reaches its conclusion, the consortium of 18 partners spanning 10 European countries celebrates a pivotal milestone in the field of mine countermeasures for European maritime defense.


Launched on December 2021, the MIRICLE (MIne RIsk CLearance for Europe) project was a 24- month collaborative endeavor carried out by a European consortium led by Naval Group Belgium and sponsored by both the European Commission and the Ministries of Defence of the participating countries.


As part of the objective to develop a sovereign European capability in future mine countermeasures (MCM), the MIRICLE project aimed at establishing the next-generation MCM platforms and toolbox technologies for enhancing MCM operations' speed, increasing standoff ranges, resolving operational shortcomings, and fostering greater interoperability.


Through the collaborative efforts of various research and industrial partners with complementary technological skills and innovative approaches, the consortium has been able to achieve major milestones and pioneering innovations, and to propose a vision for the future of maritime defense technology.

Pioneering MCM toolbox and platform technology​

The project's success lays in a meticulous approach that encompassed various stages: studies, design, prototyping and testing. Prototypes and demonstrators were developed for selected technologies, while sea-based testing were conducted to validate specifications for the nextgeneration MCM vessels and toolbox. The experimentation phase witnessed the successful testing of an XL UUV and a prototyped mine disposal system in Toulon Bay, showcasing the efficiency of coordinated operations. Also, the project tested multiple systems to detect buried mines, addressing a significant operational shortfall in current MCM techniques. The project's test focusing on interoperability and communication highlighted the feasibility of utilizing systems from various suppliers in a multisystem heterogeneous MCM mission.

Towards a future of enhanced European maritime defense​

The outcomes of the MIRICLE project represent an important step forwards in fortifying maritime defense capacities and ensuring a safer and more efficient future for MCM operations. The unique consortium of European partners has helped to pave the way for the next generation of "made in Europe" countermeasure solutions, and to support the European naval community.


Upon finalization of this project, a new application has been submitted to the European Commission, to a 2023 call of the European Defense Fund 2023: Future maritime mine countermeasures capability, with a proposal named E=MCM (Extended Mine Counter Measures).


The consortium partners of the MIRICLE project are:

• Naval Group Belgium (coordinator, Belgium) ;
• Naval Group SA (France)
• EXAIL Robotics SAS (France);
• EXAIL Robotics Belgium (Belgium);
• Thales (France);
• Cafa Tech (Estonia);
• TNO (The Netherlands);
• Space Applications Services (Belgium);
• Elwave SAS (France);
• Sociedad Anónima de Electrónica, Submarina S.M.E, SAES (Spain);
• Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee, VLIZ (Belgium);
• TERRA SPATIUM SA (Greece);
• Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales, ONERA (France);
• DotOcean N.V. (Belgium);
• Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej S.A., CTM (Poland);
• SISTRADE SOFTWARE CONSULTING SA (Portugal);
• Belss Ltd (Latvia);
• Agenţia de Cercetare pentru Tehnică şi Tehnologii Militare -Military Equipment and Technologies Research Agency, METRA (Romania).

This project has received funding from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) under grant agreement No Project EDIDP-UCCRS-MCM-2020-061-MIRICLE.


This press release reflects only the view of the MIRICLE consortium, and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

The MIRICLE Project concludes successfully, showing innovations in Mine Coutermeasures for European maritime defense | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

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[Discretion and stealth] Close-up on Merou, Naval Group’s cutting-edge acoustic coating test instrument​

Acoustic discretion and stealth are fundamental performances in modern submarines and rely on absorbent material used to coat the hull. This material must first complete full qualification cycles before it can be considered operational and used on submarines. Here are a few explanations as to why Naval Group decided to develop a measuring instrument for the acoustic characterisation of materials.


Development studies on future submarine programs are ongoing, especially those on hull coating materials, the reason why specialists in the field of acoustic coating were brought together to form a cross-functional unit. One of their main aims is to qualify hull coating material to optimise the acoustic performances of our ships. In collaboration with this unit, the Underwater Detection Department (UWD) developed an instrument to test material at sea and named it *Merou which in French stands for acoustic coating test instrument. A considerable amount of work has gone into designing and developing Merou, which happens to be the only such test instrument known to date, capable of measuring acoustic performances full-scale, i.e. in an acoustic free field, underwater and at frequencies of use. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), satisfied with its performances at sea - field of use, accuracy, reliability, repeatability etc. - accepted the instrument in 2021.


A successful test run in the Mediterranean in August

Merou is capable of measuring performances of different kinds of material such as micro-inclusion (polymer matrix containing inclusions much smaller than the wavelength) and macro-inclusion type material. “The acoustic performance of four materials of two different kinds was successfully measured when this instrument was launched into the Mediterranean Sea from a support ship last August. These measurements help Naval Group teams developing coating material to better understand their acoustic characteristics and to make improvements keeping their operational application in mind”, explains François Dayet, Systems Manager and Technical Manager for these tests at sea. This success makes Merou an indispensable measuring instrument as far as qualifying coating material is concerned. A new set of tests at sea for new material is already in the offing. The next steps after these tests include the acoustic validation of prototypes followed by the validation of materials for the finalised series.

[Discretion and stealth] Close-up on Merou, Naval Group’s cutting-edge acoustic coating test instrument | Naval Group

www.naval-group.com

 

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Delivery and commissioning of the Humaitá, the second Brazilian Scorpène® submarine entirely made in Brazil​

On January 12th, the second of the four Scorpène® submarines of the ProSub program was commissioned by the Brazilian Navy at the Itaguaí Naval base, in presence of José Mucio Monteiro, Brazilian minister of defence and Emmanuel Chiva, French General Delegate for Armaments. The Humaitá has been built entirely in Brazil by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) thanks to a Transfer of Technology from Naval Group.


The Humaitá successfully completed its sea trials and has now been delivered and entered into service within the Brazilian Navy. The first submarine of the ProSub program, the Riachuelo, was commissioned by the Brazilian Navy in September 2022. The remaining two submarine of the series, Tonelero and Angostura will respectively be launched in 2024 and 2025.


Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group said: “Today, with DGA from France, we celebrate the success of our cooperation with ICN and our long-term relation and collaboration with Brazil. The success of this program is collective and aimed at strengthening the Brazilian Navy and industry as well as reinforcing the country’s regional and global influence. We are proud to be part of the ProSub Program with all our partners. Our teams remain committed to keep on meeting the Brazilian navy expectations.”


The delivery of the Humaitá reflects the success of the technology transfer achieved by Naval Group with ICN, the group’s joint venture with Novonor, which provides the country with cuttingedge equipment manufactured in Brazil. This event also demonstrates Naval Group's solid international presence and its ability to develop ambitious technology transfers within the framework of international partnerships.

Naval Group, a long-term strategic partner of Brazilian sovereignty​

In 2009, within the framework of the French-Brazilian strategic defence cooperation agreement, the Brazilian Navy chose Naval Group for its Programa de desenvolvimento de Submarinos, the ProSub program. Brazil decided to reinforce its submarine force with four new conventional submarines (SSK) and the development of an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).


The Scorpène® submarines of the ProSub program are manufactured and assembled in the shipyard built in Itaguaí by ICN. Naval Group contributed to this program by transferring technology, supplying the submarine design file, the equipment that makes up the submarines and technical assistance. Teams from the ICN shipyard have also been trained in submarine construction techniques in France, as part of a vast training programme for Brazilian welders, formers, pipe fitters and electricians. This training, along with technical assistance, enables ICN to master the entire production process, from sheet metal forming to commissioning and testing of onboard systems.


Naval Group has also selected and qualified many local suppliers who have joined its supply chain for the ProSub contract but also for other business opportunities. In this way, the company’s partners can have access to new markets by putting forward the know-how and experience acquired through the program. Naval Group thus contributes to the development of a robust Brazilian naval industrial ecosystem. Hundreds of Naval Group employees are also working in the back office on all French sites.


Naval Group also supports the Brazilian Navy in the design and construction of the first Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine and will provide support beyond the construction of the submarines over the entire life cycle of the ships.

Delivery and commissioning of the Humaitá, the second Brazilian Scorpène® submarine entirely made in Brazil | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

[Bürküt]

Naval Group to produce an autonomous underwater drone demonstrator for the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA)​

On December 28, 2023, DGA awarded Naval Group a framework agreement for the design, production and testing of an Unmanned Combat Underwater Vehicle (UCUV) demonstrator. A first follow-on contract was also signed for the design and development of Naval Group’s Autonomous Decision-Making Process (ADMP) and secure autonomous navigation.


This framework agreement follows on the contract awarded to Naval Group on May 4, 2023 for the study of the main use cases and system architecture of an UCUV. The objective is to conduct studies and evaluate the technologies identified to meet the French Navy's main use cases, and thus design and develop the UCUV demonstrator.


Aurore Neuschwander, Naval Group's Director of Drones, Autonomous Systems and Underwater Weapons, stated: "Naval Group is very proud to support the French Ministry of Armed Forces in the study of this innovative and disruptive naval capability. We will leverage the know-how we acquired in naval unmanned systems over the last ten years, and in particular our XL-UUV demonstrator, which will serve as a platform for technology integration and testing. This ambitious project will contribute to the creation of a French industry of excellence in naval unmanned systems, of which Naval Group will be one of the federators".


The first subsequent contract to this framework agreement will run for 24 months. It will enable the development of a version of the Autonomous Decision-Making Process (ADMP or ADC© in French, for Autonomie Décisionnelle contrôlée) designed to strengthen mission planning and monitoring, and secure surface and underwater navigation which are essential functions for an autonomous, enduring, multi-mission system.


Other follow-on contracts are planned in order to develop the technologies needed to meet the challenges of long endurance, underwater detection and sub-order implementation.

Unmanned systems at the heart of collaborative naval combat​

Unmanned systems play an increasingly important role in naval combat, providing navies with the technological and tactical superiority they need. With the UCUV project, France joins a very select group of countries engaged in the definition, development and evaluation of a first XL-UUV (ExtraLarge Unmanned Underwater Vehicle). Through this project, the French Ministry of Armed Forces will benefit from technological breakthroughs and innovations in the fields of robotics, drones and artificial intelligence, in order to evaluate a new naval capability that could provide a mediumterm operational response to new areas of conflict and asymmetric combat.

Naval Group's XL UUV Demonstrator at the heart of the UCUV project​

The XL UUV Demonstrator, whose sea qualification was completed at the end of summer 2023, will be a key component of the UCUV project. It will enable short-cycle evaluation of the technologies, such as ADMP and energy, needed to confirm the technical choices linked to the design of the future UCUV demonstrator. This innovative method will provide agile guidance for the project, enabling the UCUV demonstrator to be built within the defined budget and schedule.

​

Autonomous Decision-Making Process (ADMP), the on-board brain of autonomous systems​

In an environment where communications are limited and sometimes impossible or unwanted, it is essential to be able to guarantee a mission’s success with complete confidence. With this logic in mind, Naval Group has developed ADMP, which aims providing a capability extension to unmanned systems operation in the context of a long-term mission, by enabling them to carry out their missions without remote control, thus making them autonomous systems.


Thanks to continuous replanning based on tactical situation analysis, ADMP enables autonomous systems to adapt to tactical hazards, to the environment where they operate and to potential damage. This system enables autonomous systems to accomplish their mission alone or in collaboration, while respecting the doctrine of use.


ADMP guarantees compliance with the human operator's orders in terms of mission objectives, rules of behavior and degrees of freedom left to the autonomous system.

Naval Group to produce an autonomous underwater drone demonstrator for the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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Naval Group completes the modernisation of the third and last frigate of the La Fayette type​

End of 2023, Naval Group completed the modernisation of the third and last La Fayette frigate (FLF), the Aconit, after six months of work followed by a series of dockside and sea trials. With this delivery of the refurbished ship, Naval Group has concluded a major modernisation programme involving a series of three ships that now have new anti-submarine warfare capabilities and can continue to carry out their missions for five more years.


Notified to Naval Group in 2017 by the French General Armament Directorate (DGA), the contract to modernize the La Fayette frigates (FLF) covered the three frigates Courbet, La Fayette and Aconit. In particular, the worksite made it possible to deal with a number of obsolescence issue, modernize several systems and add new capabilities.


Among the modernizations carried out, that of their combat system (CMS) led to the replacement of the original system by the SENIT developed by Naval Group. They have also renewed their optronic surveillance capabilities, improved their structural strength and stability, and replaced their Crotale anti-air defense system with two Sadral systems armed with the latest-generation Mistral very short-range ground-to-air missiles. With the addition of a hull sonar, the three FLFs now have anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Naval Group completes the modernisation of the third and last frigate of the La Fayette type | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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[Services] Localisation, an imperative for Naval Group Arabia​

Naval Group is present in Saudi Arabia through its subsidiary Naval Group Arabia, established in Riyadh in 2013 and governed by Saudi Arabian law. A four-year support contract was concluded with the Saudi Ministry of Defence following an initial Technical Support Service contract for Sawari I and II frigates. In effect since June 2022, this support contract includes technical assistance, supply of spare parts and the implementation of upgrades on Sawari II frigates. This contract is built on localisation, an imperative for any foreign company working in Saudi Arabia.


The localisation of industrial production meets the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 development plan aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy. “As far as Naval Group Arabia goes, this is reflected in the growing proportion of local content and services. While this goes for all sectors of activity, it is particularly true for defence, which represents the kingdom’s first budget”, explains Alain Maurric, Program Director. Within this framework, it is the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) that verifies the localisation of resources for defence industries. “Practically speaking, more than half of the budget of the Saudi Ministry of Defence will have to be invested locally by end 2030”, explains Amin Temagoult, Purchasing and Localisation Manager for Saudi Arabia.


A multifaceted contract

As part of the “four-year” contract, Naval Group delivers technical assistance to the Saudi Navy’s logistic entities and provides spare parts for Sawari I and II frigates. A team of eighteen employees in Djeddah and four in Riyadh are engaged in this work.


Keeping the kingdom’s localisation objectives in mind, Naval Group Arabia, with a catalogue of over 8,000 references, is looking to qualify new local suppliers. In line with this endeavour, a local company capable of manufacturing seals for the Royal Saudi Navy is in the certification phase to guarantee their conformity. The subsidiary has also concluded an agreement with a French manufacturer based in Saudi Arabia for the assembly of Saudi made circuit-breakers onboard the ships. “We also provide for the Royal Saudi Navy’s engineering needs, jointly exploring unprecedented methods of repair, to give one such example”, adds Alain Maurric.


The contract also includes upgrade operations for each of the three Al Riyadh class frigates (Al Riyadh, Makkah and Al Dammam). Naval Group is responsible for the whole value chain, from upstream studies undertaken in France right up to sea trials in Saudi Arabia.


Teams and training


Naval Group’s localisation effort also involves delivering training, with 66 engineers and technicians to be trained over a three-year period. Another aspect includes recruiting around ten local employees including technicians and engineers who will be trained over a one to three-year period by French senior employees, with the ultimate aim of taking over down the line. “We will also be integrating four Saudi employees into program teams in the fields of purchasing, quality, supply chain and contract management”, adds Amin Temagoult. Naval Group will be training employees for these activities as well.

[Services] Localisation, an imperative for Naval Group Arabia | Naval Group

www.naval-group.com

 

[Bürküt]

Tawazun Council, Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies seal a strategic partnership for development of National Combat Management System for the UAE Navy​

Tawazun Council, Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies have signed a Joint Development Agreement for the development of the National Combat Management System (NCMS) through a complete and extensive Transfer of technology and Transfer of know-how.


The agreement comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enable the UAE’s defense and security industries, support the sector’s rapid growth and provide national defense solutions capable of meeting future needs.


The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Operations at Tawazun Council, Lilian Brayle, Executive vice president combat system & Equipment at Naval Group, and Basel Shuhaiber, Chief Executive Officer, Marakeb Technologies, in the presence of a number of senior officials.


Under the agreement, Naval Group will work in cooperation with Marakeb Technologies LLC, a subsidiary of Strategic Development Fund Company (SDF), which was chosen as the joint development national partner for this programme.


Naval Group will develop the National Combat Management System capacity to the UAE Navy to enable the UAE navy to operate a national CMS that will be integrated in their naval fleet, for both newbuild and retrofit ship programs.


H.E. Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, the CEO of Tawazun, affirmed that the development of the National Combat Management System (NCMS) project for the UAE Naval Forces is part of efforts to empower the defense and security industries, and acquire advanced defense equipment and technology to enhance the UAE’s position in this domain.


“The NCMS is aimed at developing a system that provides support for operational capabilities and offers national solutions through its local partner. Additionally, it aims to supply the armed forces with advanced defense products and enhance national competencies” he added.


He pointed out that the project provides sovereign advantages in terms of control, customization, and system updates to align with the needs of the Naval Forces at all times. This is achieved through transfer of defense technology and naval combat management programs, contributing to charting a promising roadmap for defense industrial capabilities.


Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group stated: “We are very pleased and honoured with this new step in our long-term cooperation and partnership with Tawazun Council. Naval Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defence and security industry with a cutting-edge naval combat system capacity.”


Basel Shuhaiber, CEO of Marakeb Technologies commented: "The National Combat Management System involves the transfer of expertise from the renowned French company Naval Group, underscoring the UAE's commitment to maritime strength.


Marakeb is proud to facilitate the cultivation of this knowledge, marking a historic milestone in our technological journey. We believe this collaboration will not only enhance our naval capabilities but also set new standards for maritime excellence in the region," he added.

Tawazun Council, Naval Group and Marakeb Technologies seal a strategic partnership for development of National Combat Management System for the UAE Navy | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

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The Netherlands selects Naval Group for its Submarine Replacement program​

Naval Group has been selected by The Netherlands Ministry of Defence for the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability project, based on the Barracuda family expeditionary submarines. This award decision concludes a stringent selection process and opens a period of exclusive discussions leading to the signature of a contract. The Group is eager to engage in the execution of this important project with its Dutch and European partners.


Naval Group is honoured by the award decision expressed by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MOD). This decision commits the group to implement a full-scale strategic partnership with the Netherlands aimed at supporting the Royal Netherlands Navy submarine service and at intensifying cooperation with the Netherlands’ MOD, industry and R&D partners.

"We are extremely honored to have been selected by the Netherlands following a hard competition and to be involved in this project of strategic importance.

"The Barracuda family submarine will provide the Royal Netherlands Navy with extended leadingedge capabilities satisfying the requirements set by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. We look forward to start working closely with our Dutch partners to successfully execute this major program which contributes to the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands." - Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

The Netherlands selects Naval Group for its Submarine Replacement program | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

[Bürküt]

Naval Group starts the construction of the first thirdgeneration French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SNLE 3G)​

The steel cutting of the first third-generation French SSBN took place at Naval Group’s shipyard in Cherbourg on March 20th. This symbolic gesture marks the start of hull production for these submarines which will ensure France's nuclear deterrence posture until the end of the 21st century.


Among the most complex systems, SSBNs are the cornerstones of France's strategic oceanic force (FOST) and ensure that nuclear deterrence remains at sea.


Launched in February 2021, the SNLE 3G program for the French Navy brings together the armed forces, the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement - DGA), which is responsible for overall project management, the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), for the nuclear boilers, and Naval Group, which is responsible for overall project management of the submarines, in association with TechnicAtome for the nuclear boilers.


Pierre Éric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, said: "We are proud to symbolically launch the production of the hull of the first 3rd-generation SSBN today, alongside the DGA, the French Navy, the Atomic Energy Commission and Technicatome, as well as all our state and industrial partners. Through this major program, Naval Group is fully committed to serving French sovereignty and nuclear deterrence, by mobilizing all its skills, talents and industrial resources, and by drawing on a solid defense industrial and technological base, spread across the country."


The program's first follow-on contract awarded in February 2021 covers development studies up to the end of 2025, as well as long lead time procurement, production of the first hull and boiler room components for the first 3G SSBN, and adaptation of Naval Group's manufacturing resources to the specific requirements of the 3G SSBNs.


Production of the main components of the nuclear boiler room and propulsion system, in particular the tank for the 1st SNLE 3G, has already begun at Naval Group's Nantes-Indret site.

An unprecedented industrial program​

With 125 years' experience of submarine construction in Cherbourg, Naval Group benefits from a unique know-how, inherited from the builders of previous generations of vessels, and skills developed to adapt to the evolving threats and expectations of the Navy.
With the SNLE 3G program, Naval Group has embarked on a major new industrial adventure involving all its sites in France, with the aim of building the largest submarine ever built in France.


A nuclear submarine is one of the most complex objects ever built by man. The construction of an SNLE 3G submarine requires the integration of almost 100,000 devices, as well as hundreds of kilometers of cables and circuits. Such a feat call for rare technological and industrial know-how that very few countries in the world possess.


This sector of excellence benefits the entire French naval industry. Almost 90% of the SNLE 3G program's added value will be produced in France for several decades, representing some 3,000 direct, highly skilled jobs that cannot be relocated.


The SNLE 3G program is a national adventure that will involve the whole of France, mobilizing more than 400 companies and 400 skills across the country: from Alsace to Brittany, from the Paris region to Toulouse and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

New generation state-of-the-art submarines​

Compared with their predecessors, the 3G SSBNs will feature a number of major technological advances, which will provide the French Navy with superior operational capabilities. These submarines will be:

• extremely discreet;

• featuring extended detection capability, with sensors of the highest technological standard;

• featuring enhanced stealth, including improved hydrodynamics and increased maneuverability;

• equipped with high-performance weapons and combat system, able to carry out deterrence missions until the end of the 2080s;

• capable of ensuring the highest levels of nuclear safety and security

• adapted to the latest standards of living conditions for sailors on board, thanks in particular to a new plant for reprocessing the ship's atmosphere.

In addition, the current French SSBNs (SNLE 2G) will benefit from some of these innovations, without waiting for the arrival of the four 3G SSBNs, to ensure the best possible performance throughout their operational life up to the 2050s. This modernization will benefit the entire French SSBN fleet.

Naval Group starts the construction of the first thirdgeneration French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SNLE 3G) | Naval Group

Naval Group is a partner to its customers' maritime sovereignty. An international player in naval defense and heir to French naval know-how, Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet the needs of navies. Present throughout the entire life cycle of the ships, the group designs, builds...

www.naval-group.com

 

[Bürküt]

Launching of the Tonelero, the third Brazilian Scorpène® submarine entirely made in Brazil​

On March 27th, the third of the four Scorpène® submarines of the ProSub program was launched at the Itaguaí Naval base, in presence of the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron. The Tonelero has been built entirely in Brazil by Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) thanks to years of successful technology transfer and partnership with Naval Group.


Only few weeks after the delivery of the Humaita, the Tonelero was successfully launched in Itaguaí and will soon start sea trials in order to be delivered in 2025. Angostura, the last submarine of the series will be launched in 2025.


The launching of the Tonelero demonstrates the success of the ProSub program which is a key extension of the French-Brazilian strategic defense cooperation agreement signed in 2008. This program not only provides the Brazilian Navy with new capabilities and contributes to its ambitious Amazonia Azul strategy, but it also enables Brazil to rely more and more on a sovereign national industrial base.


“The launching of the Tonelero is a major milestone for the Brazilian Navy, ICN, Naval Group and all our partners. This achievement is a result of our common work to make the ProSub program and its associated technology transfer a success. We are honoured by the high level of confidence the Brazilian Navy has placed in our expertise, and we remain fully committed to supporting the needs of the Brazilian Navy and contributing to the development a strong Brazilian naval industry.” Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group.

Launching of the Tonelero, the third Brazilian Scorpène® submarine entirely made in Brazil | Naval Group

As an international naval defence player, Naval Group is a partner for countries seeking to maintain control of their maritime sovereignty. Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. Present throughout the entire life cycle of vessels, it designs, produces...

www.naval-group.com