# France Expands Naval Drone Procurement

France is accelerating naval-drone development and acquisition through a government-industry initiative covering deep-sea remotely operated vehicles, mine-countermeasure robots, and uncrewed combat underwater vehicles. Naval Group is developing an operational demonstrator of a large oceangoing combat underwater vehicle, with 2026 budget allocations of €30 million in commitment authorizations and €17 million in payment appropriations; sea trials are planned for 2028. Separately, France announced planned purchases of a second deep-sea ROV, eight countermine robots, and a second combat underwater vehicle, and has ordered 12 additional surface and underwater drones for its SLAM-F mine-countermeasure program. The proposed 2027 defense budget remains under parliamentary debate, and France has signaled a preference for European-origin systems.

- The demonstrator’s budget allocation is not a reported contract award value. The signals provide no solicitation details or procurement contacts for the announced acquisitions.
- Suppliers with subsea autonomy, sensing, mine detection, energy systems, launch and recovery, and maritime-system integration capabilities may find opportunities as the demonstrator advances toward 2028 trials and the wider initiative proceeds.
- Companies assessing market entry or teaming should account for France’s stated preference for European-origin systems; the proposed 2027 defense budget is not yet approved.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Government Entities
- French Ministry of the Armed Forces
- Directorate General for Armament (DGA)
- French Navy
- French Parliament

### Vendors
- Naval Group (prime contractor and demonstrator developer)
- Exail (supplier of A18 countermine robots)
- LD Travocean (supplier of Deep Sea remotely operated vehicles)

### Key Quotes
> This ambition reflects a firmly established French political determination: to retain the ability to make decisions and take action independently. To be feared, in order to remain free.
> — Catherine Vautrin, Minister of the Armed Forces

### Sources
- [France tasks Naval Group to develop large oceangoing underwater drone - Defense News](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/11/04/france-tasks-naval-group-to-develop-large-oceangoing-underwater-drone) - Defense News
- [French defense minister kicks off ‘pact’ with industry in rush to field naval drones - Defense News](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/11/03/french-defense-minister-kicks-off-pact-with-industry-in-rush-to-field-naval-drones) - Defense News
- [France investing in naval power as military ambition is 'to be feared': Armed forces minister - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/france-investing-in-naval-power-as-military-ambition-is-to-be-feared-armed-forces-minister) - Breaking Defense