French Navy upgrade and discussion

[BMD]

French MoD Selects Top Contenders for DANAE Armed Surface Drone Project​

French MoD Selects Top Contenders for DANAE Armed Surface Drone Project

The French Defence Innovation Agency (Agence de l’innovation de défense — AID) and the French Navy (Marine nationale) have officially selected the three industrial partners moving forward in the DANAE armed USV program.

The three finalist designs for DANAE: SIREHNA Seaquest-S (top), Seair "flying USV" (bottom left), and Seaowl NEMEZIS (bottom right). Pictures by Hervé Dermoune.

 

[BMD]

Naval Group rolls out 5th Suffren-class attack submarine - Naval News

Naval Group has rolled out Rubis (S639), the fifth Barracuda type nuclear attack submarine (SSN), transferring the vessel to its shiplift in Cherbourg ahead of sea trials for the French Navy.

www.navalnews.com

 

[BMD]

France Fast-Tracks SMOKERS Kamikaze USV in 6 Months

The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has rapidly developed the low-cost SMOKERS kamikaze USV, moving from concept to sea trials in just six months.

www.navalnews.com

 

[BMD]

French Parliamentary Report Urges Construction of a Second Aircraft Carrier by 2029​

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/10/french-parliamentary-report-urges-construction-of-a-second-aircraft-carrier-by-2029/

 

[BMD]

This Is Naval Group’s Concept For A Stealthy, Drone-Armed Future Destroyer

The SCX26 concept pairs a stealthy, split-superstructure design with advanced weapons and extensive facilities for uncrewed systems. The SCX26 concept pairs a stealthy, split-superstructure design with advanced weapons and extensive facilities for uncrewed systems.

www.twz.com

 

[BMD]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2118636630710087953

France orders MdCN Mk2 (NCM Mk2), first delivery 2030, apparently also in the submarine tube-launched variant

https://twitter.com/x/status/2118651380940361914

France to order long-range naval cruise missile from MBDA​

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/france-order-long-range-naval-cruise-missile-mbda-2026-11-06/

• The missile has a range of more than 1,000 km
• Upgrades include greater ⁠stealth, increased lethality, more resistance to satellite navigation jamming and a better ⁠ability to penetrate enemy air defences
• Mission preparation will use ⁠AI components developed by MBDA teams

France orders upgraded MdCN Mk2 naval cruise missiles to extend deep strike capabilities of frigates and submarines.​

France orders upgraded MdCN Mk2 naval cruise missiles to extend deep strike capabilities of frigates and submarines

France announced an MBDA contract at Euronaval 2026 for the MdCN Mk2 naval cruise missile, delivering in 2030. Features over 1,000 km range, AI mission planning, and stealth anti-jamming upgrades for FREMM frigates and Suffren submarines.

www.armyrecognition.com

Unveiled at Eurosatory, the upgraded deep-strike missile preserves complete physical integration with French Navy FREMM frigates and Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines while extending operational range beyond 1,000 kilometers. Modernization features advanced GNSS anti-jamming navigation, reduced radar cross-section, improved electro-optical/infrared guidance, and Fastrike AI mission planning that compresses engagement preparation times from hours to minutes.

 

[BMD]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2118803746713166170

7m long and 24 inches (at 10s). So same width as ATACMS but 3m longer. At that size they could theoretically put 7 inside an M51-derived submarine model. Interesting that it can hit moving targets too - referred to as anti-ship (at 24s).

Also to note is that the B-Strike 2500 appears to be the same diameter, at least in models, and that the first stage may employ the same engine as the 1000, which will likely save money.

Glider dimensions - nearly 2m long (20 small squares per metre, B-Strike 1000 is 140 small squares - second image). Diameter at base is about 7.5 small squares, so 375mm. Warhead therefore probably around 250kg or less. Mk82 is 2.29m x 273mm for reference.