Surface ships
High-performance, reliable and in constant evolution, the surface ships built by Naval Group integrate cutting edge technologies, allowing navies to protect their countries' sovereignty in seas around the world. Efficient, reliable and scalable, every effort is made to facilitate the operational use and maintenance of these concentrated technologies, designed to last for several decades.
Naval Group masters the complete range of surface ships, from patrol ships right up to aircraft carriers. Naval Group’s combat ships (Gowind®, multimission frigates and defence and intervention frigates) guarantee operational superiority in all types of warfare, Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carriers (PHA) that can transport forces, command naval aircraft operations and support humanitarian missions. All our surface ships, benefit from the most advanced technologies as well as cutting-edge equipment, allowing them to counter all threats (conventional, cyber, asymmetric).
Detect before being detected
The combination of exceptionally low acoustic signatures and high-performance sensors enable our ships to detect others before being detected themselves. Their spacious aviation installations allow helicopters and drones to operate efficiently under all sea conditions. The use various drones enable our surface ships to expand their surveillance areas considerably.
Interoperability and coordination
Interoperability is essential for fleets carrying out missions that cover anything from coastal protection to combat on the high seas. In accordance with the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), our surface ships ensure maximum interoperability, in particular through tactical data links that enable the coordination of allied fleets’ combat systems.
Our surface ship offer
Aircraft carriers
The French Navy’s flagship, Charles de Gaulle, underwent an extensive refurbishment during its mid-life refit in February 2017.
Naval Group was chosen as the architect for the French navy's new aircraft carrier (PA-Ng) and has been carrying out preliminary project studies for the ship since 2021, along with its partners Chantiers de l’Atlantique et TechnicAtome.
It was returned to the French Navy eighteen months later, equipped with new combat and aviation installations systems as well as a modernised platform.
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier at sea
PHA Mistral: high capacity, high agility
Versatile and capable, Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carriers (PHA) have proven their effectiveness in a wide range of joint force projection and support operations.
In particular, they are used to provide assistance to victims. They have been used to provide assistance to victims during several sanitary and evacuation operations. In March 2020, the Tonnerre helped to transfer Covid-19 victims from Corsica to the French mainland thanks to its onboard hospital.
Mistral amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA - porte-hélicoptère amphibie) at sea
FREMM: the ultimate surface combatant
The multimission frigate (FREMM) - with ten ships now built - provides first-rate naval capacities in all areas of warfare, and particularly in anti-submarine warfare and deep strikes.
It launched its first cruise missiles in operations in 2018.
FREMM at sea
Belh@rra®: the digital warrior
With a more compact size, the Defence and Intervention frigate (FDI) integrates the most up-to-date technological innovations, both in its design and construction, and embodies our expertise as an integrator with high added value. Multimission, it is designed to handle all areas of warfare. The order from Greece in 2022 now covers six Belh@rra® frigates, all to be built in Lorient, and three additional frigates offered in optional tranches.
Equipped with a cloud-type distributed digital architecture, it is scalable, resilient and provides the services required by today's sailors on demand.
3D illustration of a Belh@rra® at sea
Gowind®: regional superiority at sea
Robust, superbly equipped, easy to operate, the Gowind® integrates sensors and weapons thanks to the Setis® combat management system. Its design allows for complete transfer of technology, enabling our customers to build the ship in their own country.
It is capable of managing anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and anti-surface missions.
Gowind® at sea
Mine hunters
Twelve mine sweeping vessels, six for the Belgian Navy and six for the Dutch Navy, will each be able to deploy around one hundred drones thanks to the innovations developed by Naval Group and its partners that enable their safe and simple use.
They will be delivered upon conclusion of the agreement entered into by Naval Group in 2018. Based on cooperation with some forty Belgian partners, an initial delivery is expected in 2024.
3D illustration of a minehunter
Offshore Patrol or Supply vessels (OPV)
With its subsidiary Kership, Naval Group offers a comprehensive range of Offshore Patrol or Supply vessels - innovative, robust, affordable and simple to operate and maintain. Designed for both the French navy as well as several foreign navies, these ships perform demanding maritime surveillance and security operations.
