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2024-02-01

Naval Group Showcases Expertise in Unmanned Platforms at UMEX

Naval Group, a renowned player in naval defence, has raised the bar in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies, unveiling its advancements at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) in Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition served as a stage for Naval Group to showcase its expertise not only in naval defence but also in the realm of autonomous systems and unmanned naval combat.

Naval Group, with its roots firmly planted in the UAE since 2010, has a successful experience with the UAE Navy for the design and construction of two Gowind corvettes ordered in 2019 and equipped with Naval Group’s MU 90 light-weight torpedo, ordered by the UAE Navy in 2022.

The first corvette was delivered on October 21, 2023 in Lorient. The second corvette was launched on May 13, 2022 and is completing her sea trials in order to be delivered in 2024.

As a turnkey solution provider, Naval Group is also training the UAE Naval Forces’ crew in France. This preparation will continue in the UAE with team-building and practice on operational scenario in every warfare domain.

Extensive Lineup

The company showcased an extensive lineup of unmanned systems, ranging from air to surface, underwater, mine, and seabed warfare capabilities.

It has developed several demonstrators, including the M-USV (Sterenn Du), S-USV (Remorina from Sirehna), M-UUV (D2I), and an XL-UUV—an autonomous, long-endurance ocean-going drone.

Naval Group actively enhances its multi-mission/multi-drone system, I4drones, for seamless integration into naval combat operations.

One of the standout exhibits was the presentation on a paradigm shift in mine countermeasures. The company introduced a new generation of vessels, among the first native drone projection ships.

These cyber-secured vessels, chosen by the Belgian and Dutch navies, can launch surface, underwater, and aerial drones. This shift to a remote position (stand-off) not only reduces risks for personnel and motherships but also enhances the speed and coverage of mined areas.

‘On-board Brain’

The controlled autonomous decision-making process (ADMP) is the solution designed and developed by Naval Group as the “on-board brain” of its autonomous systems as well as third-party drones.

The ADMP enables the autonomous system to carry out its mission according to the objectives set by its supervising operator. It manages its energy potential, its sensors and its CU and adapts its behaviour according to its environment and the hazards it encounters.

Guillaume Pateu, Naval Group’s Country Director for the UAE, emphasised the importance of UMEX in showcasing their advancements in drones and strengthening local partnerships.

He highlighted the successful delivery of the first Gowind corvette to the UAE Navy and the upcoming delivery of the second vessel later this year. He also mentioned the integration of air drones into Naval Group’s platforms, including the Scheibel 100 on the Bani Yas corvette in collaboration with ADASI, a local company.

Aymeric Moullart de Torcy, Business Development Senior Manager – Unmanned Systems, shed light on Naval Group’s identification of key gaps in the drone market and their efforts to fill them. He revealed the development of a modular USV for seamless integration on board frigates, enabling a range of missions including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and electronic warfare.

He announced the upcoming launch of a first torpedo-sized UUV designed for underwater ISR and targeting, leveraging the company’s expertise in submarines and torpedoes.

Underwater Drones

The other area where a gap exists is in the area of underwater drones. de Torcy said: “Any challenge is multiplied by 10 underwater, as there is limited communication there. Since we have strong experience in submarines and torpedoes, the underwater world is very familiar to Naval Group.

So, we decided that from this experience, we will develop the first UUV made by the Group. It will be the size of a torpedo, where we will remove the explosive charge and add a payload for ISR or targeting. It is designed to work with submarines.’’

‘The intelligence inside the vehicle will make it able to react and act as a submarine. This product will be available next year, according to him.

“Naval Group is also currently developing an XL-UUV. A demonstrator (10 tonnes, 10 metres) has already been tested at sea during a French navy exercise as well as part of the European MIRICLE project. This XL-UUV features the company’s autonomous decision-making algorithm. This demonstrator of XL-UUV is now sea-proven,” de Torcy added.

With a comprehensive portfolio of unmanned systems, advanced technology like ADMP, and a focus on local partnerships, Naval Group stands poised to alter the maritime landscape in the region.

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