Naval Group has secured a contract to develop an operational demonstrator of its Unmanned Combat Underwater Vehicle (UCUV) for the French Navy, marking a significant transition from preliminary technology studies to actual construction. This development was announced during Euronaval 2026, with sea trials slated to commence in 2028, as confirmed by the French defence procurement agency DGA and the Defence Innovation Agency (AID).
The UCUV project, initiated in December 2023, follows a framework agreement awarded to Naval Group for the development and testing of an ocean-going unmanned underwater combat vehicle. This includes research into secure autonomous navigation systems. To mitigate technical risks, Naval Group has leveraged its existing extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV) demonstrator, which was qualified at sea in 2023. This platform has been instrumental in testing various technologies, including energy management, battery systems, autonomous navigation, sensor fusion, and specialized payloads.
A Multi-Mission Vehicle Over 10 Metres Long
The UCUV is designed for a range of missions, including intelligence gathering and both defensive and offensive operations. While specific details regarding its capabilities remain undisclosed, it is confirmed that the vehicle will exceed 10 meters in length and will feature design modifications based on feedback from earlier studies. A representative from Naval Group noted, “It will differ slightly in appearance from the current demonstrator.”
Although the exact weapon systems to be integrated into the UCUV have not been finalized, the AID has expressed ambitions to position the French Navy at the upper end of the capability spectrum compared to its competitors. The choice of armaments will significantly influence the vehicle’s operational endurance, with ongoing discussions about potential payloads and an open architecture that allows for integration of various equipment and software from different industrial partners.
The UCUV is also designed for air transport, compatible with aircraft such as the A400M, and can be deployed from harbor facilities or surface vessels, providing the French Navy with versatile operational options.
Autonomous Operations Under Human Supervision
The demonstrator will utilize Naval Group’s Steeris OnBoard autonomous decision-making system, which allows the UCUV to conduct extended missions without continuous remote control, particularly in environments where communication may be compromised. This system will adapt the vehicle’s mission plan based on environmental and tactical information, ensuring responsiveness to changing conditions and potential equipment failures.
This capability is especially crucial for underwater operations, where maintaining communication with an operator can be challenging. The upcoming trials will assess how effectively the UCUV can navigate these conditions. The AID has linked this initiative to increasing concerns over seabed activities, emphasizing the need for countermeasures against emerging underwater capabilities from other nations.
UCUV Sea Trials Planned for 2028
Scheduled for 2028, the sea trials will be pivotal in evaluating the UCUV’s potential roles and its integration with existing naval forces. The program aims to prepare French naval platforms for the anticipated rise of large underwater drones in global navies.
While the industrial team for the UCUV has not yet been disclosed, it is expected to incorporate equipment from various suppliers, with a focus on maintaining a predominantly French industrial content. The current contract pertains to the operational demonstrator rather than a full production fleet, making the upcoming trials essential for defining the French Navy’s future unmanned underwater combat capabilities. However, it is noteworthy that the majority of funding required for the demonstrator’s construction has yet to be secured, with a final budget allocation anticipated in 2027, contingent upon the outcomes of the French presidential elections.
For further details, see the original report by Naval News.
