Thales has announced a strategic co-development agreement with Febus Optics aimed at creating advanced monitoring solutions for critical undersea infrastructure (CUI). This collaboration brings together the extensive expertise of both French firms to address the growing needs of the CUI protection market, which has seen heightened urgency in recent years, particularly following the acts of sabotage against the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines in September 2022.

As geopolitical tensions rise, the protection and monitoring of vital undersea infrastructure have emerged as essential priorities. Thales emphasized the importance of overcoming technological challenges in delivering effective CUI protection solutions. The company stated in a press release that the challenges associated with monitoring extensive installations such as communication cables, power lines, and pipelines, which often span vast distances and operate under extreme environmental conditions, necessitate innovative approaches to ensure their security and integrity.

To enhance the capabilities of its existing BlueGuard surveillance system, Thales will incorporate Febus Optics’ Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology. This integration will allow for comprehensive monitoring of sensitive coastal areas and identify potential threats, including unmanned underwater vehicles. The DAS technology developed by Febus Optics employs optical fiber sensing cables to detect acoustic signals in real-time, relying on the principle of light backscattering to reflect sound waves and vibrations back to their source. This method enables constant monitoring of the entire infrastructure, facilitating early detection and precise geolocation of any anomalies.

Thales intends to leverage its significant background in sonar array design and acoustic signal analysis to augment the proposed solution, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of the monitoring system for undersea installations. This partnership marks a significant step forward in developing robust protective measures for crucial undersea resources, aligning with the increasing demand for effective solutions in this evolving security landscape.

In a significant development for maritime technology, Euroatlas, a prominent German defense and engineering firm, has unveiled its latest autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), dubbed Greyshark. This state-of-the-art vehicle was presented at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, marking a noteworthy advancement in the field of undersea reconnaissance and surveillance operations.

The Greyshark AUV is designed for a variety of critical tasks, as highlighted by Eugen Ciemnyjewski, the managing director of Euroatlas. Its versatility includes ensuring the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, conducting patrolling missions, and engaging in mine warfare. This multipurpose capability positions Greyshark as a vital asset for modern naval operations.

Key features of the Greyshark include a cruising speed of 10 knots (approximately 11 miles or 18 kilometers per hour), providing agility and responsiveness in diverse underwater environments. The vehicle boasts an impressive operational range of 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles or 1,852 kilometers), allowing it to conduct extensive missions without the need for frequent redeployment.

When it comes to depth capabilities, the Greyshark can operate at depths of up to 650 meters (2,132 feet), making it suitable for a broad range of underwater operations. With its advanced precision navigation system, the AUV ensures stable coverage and high accuracy throughout its submerged tasks, critical for both reconnaissance and operational effectiveness.

Deployment options for the Greyshark are flexible, as it can be launched from harbors and larger vessels alike. This adaptability is further enhanced by its ability to operate independently or coordinate effectively with swarms of up to six AUV units. Such swarm operations are particularly advantageous for mine detection missions and the identification of adversary ships, demonstrating the vehicle’s strategic potential.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Greyshark, Euroatlas offers comprehensive support infrastructure. This includes end-to-end solutions covering transport, deployment, refueling, maintenance, and operational management. By providing such extensive services, Euroatlas ensures that the Greyshark not only meets performance standards but also adheres to international regulations and requirements relevant to both civil and defense maritime operations.

The introduction of the Greyshark AUV thus represents a significant leap forward in underwater technology, promising enhanced capabilities for naval forces around the globe and reinforcing Euroatlas’s position as a leader in defense innovation. As maritime security concerns continue to evolve, the Greyshark could play a crucial role in safeguarding underwater assets and conducting strategic operations in increasingly complex environments.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces has selected the Airbus A321MPA as the chosen platform for the French Navy’s future maritime patrol aircraft (Patmar) program, according to reports from La Tribune. This decision marks a significant step in the evolution of France’s maritime capabilities, as the A321MPA outperformed a variant of the Dassault Falcon 10X business jet in the competitive selection process.

While both Airbus and Dassault have been informed of the outcome, an official announcement regarding the decision has yet to be made public. This program is critical as it aims to replace the existing fleet of 22 Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft by the year 2035, given that the current fleet will exceed 40 years of operational service by then. The Atlantique 2, which first entered service in the 1980s, is based on the Atlantique airframe that dates back to the 1960s.

In preparation for the transition, 18 of the existing Atlantique 2 aircraft are undergoing modernization. This upgrade involves the installation of an AESA-equipped Searchmaster radar, replacing the original Iguane system, along with a new Wescam MX-20D optronic ball and advanced cockpit consoles.

Initially, there was an intention for France and Germany to collaborate on the replacement of their maritime patrol aircraft through the Maritime Airborne Warfare System program. However, this initiative collapsed in 2021 when Germany opted to procure five Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft as an urgent stopgap for its P3C Orion fleet, which faced reliability issues. Subsequently, three additional P-8s were ordered in 2022.

The Airbus A321MPA concept was unveiled recently at the Euronaval 2024 defense exhibition in Paris. This aircraft is built on the A321XLR platform, known for its extended range capabilities and endurance of up to 11 hours. The A321MPA also boasts a substantial payload capacity, allowing it to be equipped with a diverse range of mission-specific technologies. The aircraft features a long ammunition bay beneath its fuselage, with all ammunition carried internally, enhancing its operational efficiency.

Thales is set to provide the sensor suite for the A321MPA, which will include a tail-mounted magnetic anomaly detector, further augmenting its capabilities in maritime surveillance and warfare.

With this contract opportunity secured, Airbus is keen to penetrate the global maritime patrol aircraft market, an area that has recently been dominated by the P-8A Poseidon. The outcome of this program could have significant implications for both Airbus and the future of maritime defense capabilities for the French Navy.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched an aggressive attack targeting two US destroyers in the Bab al-Mandab Strait using drones and missiles, according to a statement from the Pentagon. The attack occurred during the vessels’ transit through the strategic waterway, but U.S. military officials reported that the warships successfully defended against the strikes.

The recent spate of attacks by the Houthis began in November 2023, coinciding with heightened tensions in the region due to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. This conflict has inspired militant factions in various countries, including Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, to initiate attacks, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians.

Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder detailed that the U.S. destroyers faced a coordinated assault involving at least eight one-way attack drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles. Fortunately, the defense systems on the warships engaged and neutralized all incoming threats without any damage or personnel injuries reported. Ryder specifically refuted claims from the Houthis that they successfully attacked the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, stating that the information provided by the rebels was not accurate.

The Houthi leadership has framed their military actions as a response to the crisis in Gaza, linking their attacks to broader regional unrest. The fallout from Israel’s military campaign, which escalated following a Hamas assault on October 7, has led to increased hostilities involving various Iranian-backed factions across multiple frontlines in the Middle East.

In anticipation of further strikes, the United States and allied nations have heightened their military presence in the region to safeguard maritime interests from Houthi threats. Despite these protective measures, direct attacks on U.S. naval vessels remain a rare occurrence.

In a bid to curtail the threat posed by the Houthis, U.S. military forces have actively conducted airstrikes targeting the rebels’ weapons storage facilities. Over the past weekend, these strikes focused on locations housing advanced conventional arms, which have been employed by the Iran-aligned Houthis to attack both U.S. and international shipping vessels in navigable waters. Ryder indicated that a combination of U.S. Air Force and Navy assets were deployed for these operations.

Additionally, U.S. forces have responded to provocations in Syria, targeting Iran-backed groups following drone and rocket assaults on American troops stationed there. Ryder confirmed that these retaliatory strikes did not result in any American casualties, although he refrained from releasing any information regarding potential losses among militant forces. The situation in the region remains tense as the U.S. continues its strategic maneuvers to undermine Houthi capabilities while ensuring the safety of international shipping routes.

The UK is making strides in sustainable decommissioning practices by embarking on the dismantling of a nuclear-powered submarine, Swiftsure, using a groundbreaking methodology that aims to recycle or reuse 90 percent of the vessel. This innovative approach is being managed by Babcock, which is responsible for dismantling the submarine’s radiological components. The company has also partnered with Veolia, a London-based firm, to lead the recycling efforts and facilitate the reuse of the submarine’s structural materials, including steel and sections of the reactor compartment located within the pressure hull.

Harry Holt, Chief Executive of Babcock Nuclear Sector, described the initiative as a “world first,” emphasizing the combination of nuclear expertise and collaborative industry efforts that have made this project possible. The aim is to set a new standard in the decommissioning of nuclear vessels, showcasing the potential for sustainable practices in the industry.

John Abraham, Chief Operating Officer of Veolia, echoed this sentiment, stating that the project signifies a new era of sustainability in the decommissioning and recycling of nuclear submarines. He emphasized that this effort aligns with their GreenUp strategic program, which is focused on depolluting, decarbonizing, and preserving natural resources.

The Submarine Dismantling Project, overseen by the UK Ministry of Defence’s Submarine Delivery Agency, was established to address the complexities involved in dismantling and disposing of nuclear-powered submarines. Approved in 2013, the project outlines a structured and long-term plan to safely dismantle 27 decommissioned submarines.

As of July, the Swiftsure has entered the final phases of its dismantling process at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth. This critical phase involves the careful identification and removal of any remaining classified components, coupled with meticulous testing procedures to ensure that parts of the submarine are cleared of radioactive materials. This rigorous process underscores the project’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility throughout the decommissioning activities.

India has made a significant move to bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean region by gifting two Fast Interceptor Craft to the Mozambique Navy. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of friendly foreign nations against threats such as maritime terrorism, piracy, and insurgency, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.

The delivery of these vessels was facilitated directly from the Indian coast, underscoring India’s commitment to support Mozambique in its security endeavors. Indian High Commissioner Robert Shetkintong emphasized this commitment, stating that the growing development partnership, alongside cooperation in the defense sector, highlights India’s dedication to being a security partner for Mozambique.

The newly delivered Fast Interceptor Craft are advanced, water-jet-propelled vessels capable of achieving high speeds of up to 45 knots, equivalent to 51 miles per hour or 83 kilometers per hour. Designed for rapid response, each boat can accommodate a crew of five and comes equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins, enhancing their operational effectiveness during critical missions. These vessels are versatile in nature, able to carry out search and rescue operations, special forces missions, and intercepting and boarding of high-speed vessels.

This donation is part of a broader commitment India has made to support Mozambique’s maritime security. Notably, India had previously donated two large Interceptor vessels to Mozambique in 2019, and in 2022, it provided two additional Fast Interceptor Craft. These contributions reflect India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and security in the region.

Furthermore, India has been active in fostering a long-term relationship with Mozambique, engaging in various initiatives aimed at humanitarian assistance and military training. Indian collaboration includes participation in bilateral and trilateral exercises designed to enhance the operational capacities of Mozambique’s armed forces. This cooperation aligns with India’s broader Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) strategy, articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The SAGAR initiative focuses on maritime engagement and collaboration, with the goal of safeguarding India’s interests and promoting regional stability in the Indian Ocean.

Through these efforts, India is not only reinforcing its partnerships with Mozambique but is also playing a pivotal role in strengthening the overall security framework within the Indian Ocean region.