French Naval Industry Expands Global Presence at Euronaval 2023
PARIS — November 4, 2023 — The French naval industry showcased its strength and innovation on the opening day of Euronaval 2023, held from November 4-7 in Paris, marking a significant milestone with several lucrative contracts announced.
In a major development, Safran revealed that the Egyptian Navy has chosen its advanced VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems to enhance the capabilities of ten offshore patrol vessels. These high-tech systems are designed to detect and track threats, utilizing short-wave infrared technology that excels in low-visibility conditions, such as darkness or fog. According to Safran, the VIGY 4 system is also capable of driving small and medium-caliber weapons, reinforcing the operational effectiveness of the vessels.
Exail, another prominent French defense company, announced a significant contract to modernize the German Navy’s Brandenburg-class frigates (F-123). The partnership will focus on enhancing the navigation capabilities of these vessels by upgrading their Netans data distribution units and Marins inertial navigation systems, which will improve the speed of information distribution and positioning accuracy. Jens Higgen, regional sales director at Exail, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Arche and Saab to deliver cutting-edge technology for the frigate program.
On the sidelines of the Euronaval exhibition, a strategic collaboration was also forged, as Naval Group signed an Initial Consortium Agreement with Spanish and Italian shipbuilders Navantia and Fincantieri. This collaboration, alongside Naviris—a joint venture between Fincantieri and Naval Group—aims to advance the second phase of the multinational multi-role patrol corvette (MMPC) project. This initiative builds on the existing European Patrol Corvette program, and the new phase focuses on completing the corvette designs and integrating advanced technological packages, equipping the vessels for diverse operational roles.
As the Euronaval show unfolds, the French naval sector continues to solidify its position in the global defense market, reflecting a commitment to innovation and international cooperation in maritime security.
Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo is a Europe correspondent for Defense News, covering military procurement and international security, with a specialization in aviation. She is based in Milan, Italy.
