With Norway investing 2.3% of its GDP in R&D, nearly 80% of youth entering higher education and one of the highest levels of investment per student within the OECD, the country ranks among the world’s top 20 most innovative countries. To leverage this dynamic environment, Naval Group is developing high-level academic and scientific partnerships to conduct collaborative “dual-use” research projects, whose applications extend beyond the military to benefit industrial and civilian sectors.
Local partnerships, a prerequisite
In exchange for carrying out major industrial programs, and like most countries worldwide, Norway requires foreign players to collaborate with its academic, scientific and industrial ecosystems on projects of mutual interest. Naval Group has drawn up a dedicated R&D plan with the potential aim of supporting the Norwegian Navy’s future defence and intervention frigates (FDI) as their capabilities evolve from 2034 onwards. The company is already establishing collaborative research partnerships with local stakeholders to prepare deployment and accelerate this innovation,.
“We have designed an R&D plan so that, if selected, we will be in a position to work with the Norwegian research ecosystem to develop innovations that will support the evolution of Norwegian frigates throughout their life cycle,” explains Emmanuel Brochard, Head of European R&D partnerships development. Regardless of the outcome of the Norwegian invitation to tender, Naval Group is committed to the long-term development of research projects in key areas for French naval defence and Norway as well.
Leading partnerships
Partnership with the NORCE research centre was formalised, to support this approach, via a Partnership Cooperation Agreement signed on 31 March 2025. Three research areas were identified: digital transformation and information technologies (AI, big data, cybersecurity, IoT), energy (new fuels, batteries, smart energy management), and underwater technologies (underwater communications, smart sensors). NORCE, one of Norway’s leading research centres, brings recognised expertise in these areas. Climate, oil, health and social sciences are among its other areas of expertise.
Naval Group is also partnered with the SINTEF Ocean research centre. Its mission involves conducting research and innovation that support Norway’s leadership in marine technology and marine biology research. Already involved in several European consortia as part of the European Defence Fund, SINTEF and Naval Group signed an R&D cooperation agreement on 24 April aboard the frigate Aquitaine, during a stopover in Trondheim.
Other strategic partners in Norway include the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the country’s top university, and SIMULA, the Ministry of Education and Research’s dedicated research laboratory. Cooperation agreements with these institutions are also expected to be signed.
An expert workshop to define the first projects
The partners are eager to move forward right away. The first R&D workshops are scheduled for summer 2025, prioritising projects in three key areas: the digital transformation of naval vessels, eco-design and energy efficiency, and underwater technologies.
“Norway offers outstanding expertise in both fundamental and applied research, with cutting-edge technological infrastructures for simulating and testing more advanced innovations. Norwegians also have an excellent culture of collaboration and a strong sense of teamwork, combined with values of rigour and clarity in their work”. With substantial R&D funding and resources, Norway is an ideal partner for driving innovation in naval defence and exploring applications across civilian and industrial sectors.