France Contracts Naval Group for Large Oceangoing Underwater Drone Development
France has awarded a contract to shipbuilder Naval Group for the development of an operational demonstrator of a large-sized oceangoing underwater drone. Sea trials for this uncrewed combat underwater vehicle (UCUV) are slated to commence in 2028. The French Armed Forces ministry announced that the demonstrator will need to exhibit both endurance and autonomous decision-making capabilities. Its missions will encompass intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially more offensive neutralization actions. This initiative aims to enhance the French Navy's presence across its extensive maritime domain, which is the world's second-largest exclusive economic zone. The 2026 French defense budget has allocated €30 million in commitment authorizations and €17 million in payment appropriations for this demonstrator, with the country's 2024-2030 defense programming law earmarking €5 billion for drones and robots, including underwater drones, over a seven-year period.
