Naval Group
French state-controlled warship builder now developing armed drone boats and a combat robot submarine.
Last refreshed: 8 November 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for Naval Group
Won the combat UUV demonstrator contract
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: France signs Naval Group for combat UUVUnveiled the Seaquest M medium USV
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: Naval Group unveils 37m Seaquest M droneReached the DANAE shortlist with Seaquest S
Autonomous Systems: Land & Sea: France shortlists three armed boat teamsMentioned in: US prime digs into UK seabed war
Autonomous Systems: Land & SeaBackground
Naval Group signed with France's arms agency on 3 November 2026 to build an ocean-going combat underwater drone demonstrator over 10m long that fits in an A400M, with sea trials from 2028. A day earlier it unveiled Seaquest M, a 37m uncrewed surface vessel built for ten days without human input.
The group designs and builds French warships and submarines. The French state holds about 62% and Thales 35%. Its Seaquest S boat is one of three left in DANAE, France's fast-track armed drone-boat programme, with a Navy choice expected at the end of 2027.
At Euronaval it also agreed with Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute to explore joint underwater drones. Most of the money for the combat drone is not yet secured.
What is Naval Group's Seaquest M?
When will France's combat underwater drone go to sea?
Who owns Naval Group?
What did Naval Group agree with TII at Euronaval?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 8 November 2026. Editorial standards.