Organization. The items that name it, and who it appears alongside.
Naval Group is investing in naval drones at its La Londe-les-Maures site. The initiative aims to advance unmanned maritime technology. No specific details on funding or project scope were provided. The investment reflects the company’s focus on modernizing naval capabilities.
Navantia presented its next-generation naval capabilities at Euronaval 2026, focusing on the naval combat cloud, F110 IAMD frigate, and LASV-75 autonomous surface vessel. The company emphasized digital integration, autonomous systems, and enhanced combat capabilities to address evolving threats and operational demands. Key advancements include the SCOMBA NG combat system, SPY-7 radar, and modular autonomous platforms designed for hybrid fleet operations. Navantia also strengthened European cooperation through agreements with Naval Group and Fincantieri for the European Patrol Corvette program.
Naval Group will build an Unmanned Combat Underwater Vehicle (UCUV) demonstrator for the French Navy, with sea trials set for 2028. The project, funded under a 2026 contract, advances from earlier studies and testing, focusing on autonomous navigation, energy management, and mission adaptability. The UCUV, over 10 meters long, is designed for intelligence, defensive, and offensive missions, with an open architecture for modular payloads and air transport via A400M. Funding for full construction remains pending, dependent on 2027 budget approval.
Naval Group and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) signed an agreement on November 6, 2026, to jointly develop autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The partnership aims to advance underwater technology through collaboration. No specific technical details or project timelines were disclosed in the announcement. The deal reflects efforts to enhance capabilities in unmanned maritime systems.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Naval Group have partnered to develop autonomous underwater technologies in the UAE. The collaboration aims to enhance research and innovation in underwater systems. This initiative focuses on advancing capabilities in unmanned underwater vehicles and related technologies. The partnership was announced on November 5, 2026.
Naval Group and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) signed an agreement at EURONAVAL 2026 to collaborate on advanced autonomous underwater technologies. The partnership aims to combine their expertise to develop innovative solutions in this field. The agreement was announced during the event held in 2026. No specific projects or technical details were disclosed in the announcement.
France has commissioned Naval Group to develop an unmanned underwater combat vehicle for its navy. The project aims to enhance naval capabilities with advanced autonomous technology. The initiative reflects France's focus on modernizing its defense systems. No specific timeline or technical details were provided in the order.
Babcock has expanded its ARMOR Force framework by partnering with Thales, Kraken Technology Group, and five other companies to integrate crewed and uncrewed naval fleets. The framework aims to provide navies with a single accountable integrator for platforms, sensors, and mission systems, supported by Babcock’s facilities in Rosyth and Devonport. Babcock emphasizes commanded autonomy, ensuring human oversight while leveraging technology for operational advantage. The company plans an early 2027 demonstration for the Royal Navy using HMS Venturer and an HII vessel, though no contract is confirmed.
France launched a defense industry "pact" to accelerate the development of naval drones tailored to its navy’s needs, announced by Minister Catherine Vautrin at the Euronaval trade show. The initiative targets technologies for mine removal, seabed exploration, and oceanographic data collection, addressing gaps in underwater infrastructure security. Key acquisitions include a second deep-sea ROV drone, eight A18 countermine robots, and an expanded unmanned combat underwater vehicle. Additionally, France will upgrade its FDI frigates to carry 32 Aster interceptor missiles, doubling current capacity.
Naval Group and Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) have partnered to develop and commercialize autonomous underwater vehicles (UUVs). The collaboration combines TII’s expertise in autonomous systems with Naval Group’s naval design and integration experience, focusing on surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat UUVs for both contested and non-contested waters. The agreement aims to advance the UAE’s maritime technology capabilities and strengthen industrial cooperation with France. Key efforts include integrating TII’s extra-large UUV with Naval Group’s unmanned combat underwater systems.
Naval Group and Thales launched CortAIx France on November 5, 2026, to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities for naval applications. The initiative aims to develop advanced AI solutions tailored for defense and maritime security. CortAIx France will focus on improving decision-making, autonomy, and operational efficiency in naval systems. The collaboration combines expertise from both companies to strengthen France’s position in naval AI innovation.