Contenu
Naval Group has been self-financing research and development (R&D) projects for several years while also contributing to government programs aimed at designing autonomous platforms, drawing on its unique expertise in underwater weapons developed on the site of Saint-Tropez. For its part, Sirehna, a subsidiary of Naval Group, has built recognised expertise and know-how in the field of drones, particularly surface drones.
Today, innovation is progressing across all domains, with a strong focus on drones and light weapons. This effort is supported by Naval Group’s Drones, Autonomous Systems and Underwater Weapons (DSA) Department, together with the specialised expertise of subsidiaries such as Sirehna, a leader in naval platform dynamics, and Naval Group Belgium, a centre of excellence in mine countermeasures and naval cybersecurity.
Naval Group’s Belgian subsidiary runs two collaborative research laboratories: the MCM Lab and the Cyber Lab. In this context, it brings together manufacturers and universities to rapidly develop solutions in close cooperation with the Belgian defence sector, working hand in hand with end users, who are placed at the centre of every development phase to ensure operational needs are met.
Partnerships & Solutions
Among Naval Group’s innovations, the Seaquest® S surface drone, designed and developed by Sirehna in partnership with the Couach shipyard, can be natively integrated on existing surface vessels, notably via the Steeris® Mission System. This generic and modular platform supports a wide range of configurations for seamless integration of sensors and effectors. Thanks to its modular design, the tiltable mast allows rapid changes or reorientation of onboard sensors. The forward area enables free integration of diverse payloads, such as a rocket ammunition module from the modular multi-purpose launcher, an acoustic buoy launcher, or others depending on the mission.
The Cormorant, a multi-environment aerial drone with underwater capabilities, developed by teams at Naval Group Belgium in close partnership with the Belgian Navy, is one of the payloads that can be integrated. This product was developed in just two years, in their prototyping and experimentation centre.
Naval Group teams validated the operational concept and the prototype was quickly put through testing. It now makes it possible to meet French Navy mission requirements as well as those of maritime security actors such as customs, coastguards and maritime police.
Deployable from the Seaquest® S, Cormorant offers the ability to dive to 40 metres and operate in sea state 44 (Beaufort scale). Designed to discreetly approach a surface target underwater, it can surface stealthily to neutralise the strategic capabilities of the vessel in its sights. Equipped with a NATO-standard rail, it integrates a wide range of sensors and effectors. In addition, the Cormorant provides a credible surface-threat capability. Integrated with the Seaquest® S, it offers extended projection capacity while keeping the crew at a safe distance. For an enhanced striking force, it can be deployed in swarms from the Seaquest® S, converging on a target from multiple directions.
Several years ago, Naval Group also initiated self-funded R&D into a family of very light anti-submarine weapons tailored in size and mass for light platforms (manned or unmanned) such as the Seaquest® S.
By combining long-standing expertise, cutting-edge know-how, and a strong commitment to innovation, the group is now able to deliver new solutions rapidly. These solutions are easy to deploy and operate, fully interoperable with both current and future systems (including complete physical and functional integration with combat systems), and designed to be modular and scalable so they can adapt to an unpredictable, fast-changing geostrategic environment.
Discover Naval Group’s full range of drones.
