The French defense procurement agency (DGA) has taken a significant step to enhance the operational capabilities of the French Navy by ordering advanced drone detection systems from the French company Cerbair. This acquisition is aimed at equipping the seven newly-acquired offshore patrol vessels with cutting-edge technology to address emerging aerial threats.
Cerbair will supply the naval variant of its radio frequency detection system, known as Hydra, which operates by scanning the electromagnetic spectrum to identify the presence of drones and their operators. This sophisticated system utilizes state-of-the-art signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms to provide accurate and timely information regarding potential threats.
The Hydra system boasts impressive detection capabilities, with the Hydra 100 having a range of 2 kilometers (approximately 1.24 miles). In contrast, the Hydra 200 and Hydra 300 models significantly extend this range, enabling the detection of targets up to 7 and 10 kilometers (around 4.35 and 6.21 miles) away, respectively.
One of the standout features of the Hydra system is its 360-degree coverage, coupled with a discretion-enhancing design that does not emit radiation. This characteristic allows for covert operations, significantly reducing the risk of detection by adversaries. Additionally, the modular architecture of the Hydra system facilitates easy integration into new vessels while also allowing for retrofitting on older ones, making it a versatile solution for a range of maritime assets.
Brian Girard, the vice president of sales at Cerbair, emphasized the importance of this contract, describing it as a major milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering onboard solutions that meet the evolving operational requirements of the French armed forces and their allies.
The offshore patrol vessels, which were ordered by the DGA last year, are intended to replace older high-sea patrol vessels stationed in Brest and Toulon, as well as the Flamant-class crafts located in Cherbourg. The contract for these vessels, valued at 90 million euros (approximately $983 million), was awarded to a trio of companies: CMN, Piriou, and Socarenam.
In addition to Cerbair’s systems, the vessels will also benefit from the expertise of Naval Group and Thales, who will oversee the integration of key assets, including advanced combat systems and maritime surveillance equipment such as sonars and radars.
The newly acquired vessels are designed to operate in “semi-permissive environments” and will undertake a variety of missions, which include seakeeping, information processing, and readiness to deploy both drones and helicopters for surveillance and combat operations. The DGA highlighted the necessity of these patrol boats in the context of increasing maritime traffic and evolving threats, noting that they will play a crucial role in various missions, such as deterrence, maintaining presence in key areas, evacuations, protection, escorting operations, and broader intervention strategies relevant to state actions at sea.
