Naval Group - Defence Industry Europe

Exail to supply cybersecure navigation systems for Hellenic Navy’s FDI frigates

French technology company Exail has been selected by Naval Group to supply navigation systems for the Hellenic Navy’s new Defence and Intervention (FDI) frigates.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has officially signed a contract for the construction of four new Orka-class submarines, marking a significant step in enhancing the Netherlands' naval capabilities. The agreement, sealed in Den Helder on 30 September 2024, was signed by State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman and Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of the French Naval Group, which will oversee the submarines’ production.

Royal IHC and Naval Group sign strategic contract for Netherlands’ New Orka-class submarines

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

Royal IHC and French shipbuilder Naval Group have signed a strategic contract for the construction of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines.

On June 4, the Hellenic Ship (HS) FORMION, the third FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, was launched at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France. The ceremony was attended by high-level representatives including Nikolaos Dendias, Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, and General (Armament) Alexandre Lahousse, Deputy General Director of the French National Armaments Directorate (DGA).

Naval Group launches third FDI frigate for Hellenic Navy

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

On June 4, the Hellenic Ship (HS) FORMION, the third FDI frigate for the Hellenic Navy, was launched at Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, France.

On May 27, the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, was successfully rolled out from its construction hall to the DME floating platform-type shiplift. This milestone marks a significant step in the programme that will see the submarine begin sea trials in 2026 following final completion work and quayside testing.

Naval Group rolls out fourth Barracuda-class submarine De Grasse for sea trials preparation

Sea, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

On May 27, the De Grasse, the fourth Barracuda-class nuclear attack submarine, was successfully rolled out from its construction hall to the DME floating platform-type shiplift.

On 21 May, the first FDI frigate built for the Hellenic Navy, HS Kimon, commenced her initial sea trials from Naval Group’s site in Lorient, Brittany. These trials follow the successful testing of Amiral Ronarc’h, the lead ship of the class for the French Navy, providing valuable experience to streamline the process.

Naval Group: first Hellenic Navy FDI frigate HS Kimon begins sea trials in France [VIDEO]

Sea, Important / By Defence Industry Europe

Armed with MBDA’s Aster anti-air and Exocet MM40 B3c anti-surface missiles, the RAM system, MU90 torpedoes, and a 76mm gun, HS Kimon is built for high-intensity combat

Norwegian defence company Kongsberg and French defence giant Naval Group have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement, consolidating their positions as global leaders in the defence sector. The agreement, which has been nearly two years in the making, focuses on four key areas: development, production, support, and shared marketing on the international stage.

Kongsberg and Naval Group sign strategic defence partnership to boost innovation and cooperation

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

Norwegian defence company Kongsberg and French shipbuilder Naval Group have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement.

Naval Group has released exclusive footage of the first sea trials for the French Navy’s new frigate, Amiral Ronarc’h. The video showcases the vessel’s initial performance tests, which took place on October 9 after the frigate left the shipyard in Lorient, Brittany, for the first time.

Naval Group eyes export growth with ambitious FDI Frigate sales strategy

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

According to a report by French newspaper La Tribune, French shipbuilder Naval Group aims to sell at least 27 FDI (Belh@rra) frigates, targeting both existing and new international markets.

Poland is at a pivotal moment in its naval defence strategy, as discussions regarding the procurement of new submarines become increasingly pressing. The Orka programme, which aims to acquire three or four modern conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, has gained renewed urgency following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, recent reports suggest that Poland is also exploring the possibility of acquiring midget-class submarines from Italy. Should this decision lead to delays or an outright cancellation of the Orka programme, it would represent a significant strategic miscalculation.

Poland’s naval strategy: why midget submarines are not a viable alternative to conventional submarines

Sea, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

Poland is at a pivotal moment in its naval defence strategy, as discussions regarding the procurement of new submarines become increasingly pressing.

Naval Group has signed a three-year in-service support contract with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy and Tawazun Council to maintain the Gowind corvettes Bani Yas and Al Emarat. The agreement, announced on 17th February during the IDEX 2025 exhibition, ensures the vessels remain at peak operational readiness.

Naval Group secures maintenance contract for UAE’s Gowind corvettes

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

Naval Group has signed a three-year in-service support contract with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy and Tawazun Council to maintain the Gowind corvettes Bani Yas and Al Emarat

The Serexna consortium, comprising Serco, Exail Robotics Belgium, and Naval Group Belgium, has secured the 24NSPER contract to maintain the Mine Countermeasure (MCM) fleets of the Belgian and Dutch navies. This agreement spans the current fleet of MCM minehunters and the future Naval Mine Warfare Capacity vessels, which are set to integrate advanced unmanned technologies.

Serexna consortium awarded major maintenance contract for Belgian and Dutch mine countermeasure fleets

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

The Serexna consortium has secured the 24NSPER contract to maintain the Mine Countermeasure (MCM) fleets of the Belgian and Dutch navies.

French shipbuilder Naval Group has further deepened its long-standing collaboration with Dutch knowledge institutes and the maritime industry through a series of new agreements announced at NEDS 2024 in Rotterdam. These include a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Marin, a partnership agreement between Thales and Optics11, and a cooperation contract with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs for integrating the CANTO countermeasure solution into Royal Netherlands Navy vessels.

Naval Group advances Dutch partnerships with key agreements for Orka-Class submarine program

Sea, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

French shipbuilder Naval Group has further deepened its long-standing collaboration with Dutch knowledge institutes and the maritime industry through a series of new agreements.

Naval Group has delivered the Tourville, the third Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, to the French defence procurement agency (DGA). This delivery is part of a programme to build six Suffren-class submarines, with three now completed in four years.

Naval Group delivers third Barracuda-class submarine Tourville to French Navy

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

Naval Group has delivered the Tourville, the third Barracuda-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, to the French defence procurement agency (DGA).