What Naval Group does

Naval Group is a French state-controlled international naval defense contractor that designs, produces, equips, integrates, supports, and modernizes submarines and surface ships for government navies. Headquartered in Paris with manufacturing at Lorient (FDI frigates) and Cherbourg (nuclear attack submarines), the company traces over 125 years of submarine heritage through its DCNS lineage and is the sole-source supplier of France's nuclear attack submarine (Barracuda), ballistic missile submarine (SNLE 3G), and next-generation aircraft carrier (France Libre / PANG). Its product portfolio spans 4,500-ton FDI frigates with the PSIM-integrated combat system, the Scorpène family of conventional submarines with Lithium-Ion propulsion and Permanent Magnet Motors, the F21 heavyweight and MU90 lightweight torpedoes, the SETIS and POLARIS combat management systems, unmanned platforms (SeaQuest-S USV, VSR700 UAS), and Arabelle Solutions-powered nuclear propulsion for future programs.

Revenue is generated through multi-year government-to-government defense procurement contracts structured around vessel delivery milestones (one-time capital) supplemented by long-tail through-life support, maintenance, training, and modernization services provided by a Services Department of nearly 5,000 employees. Material offset obligations (Hellenic Industrial Participation with 70+ Greek companies and 120+ contracts; Indian Mazagon Dock co-production; PT PAL Indonesia technology transfer; Westcon Norway long-term support) localize supply chains in customer countries and embed the company across navies' operational lifecycles. Go-to-market is exclusively enterprise/B2G: direct engagement with defense ministries via competitive tenders (Sweden YSF Luleå), exclusive negotiations following competitive selection (Netherlands Orka-class), industrial participation programs (Greece, Indonesia, India), and a 17-country subsidiary sales footprint. Brand extensions include dedicated AI engineering via the cortAIx France partnership with Thales (governance stake) and joint-venture programs through Naviris with Fincantieri. Customer base spans French, Greek, Swedish, Dutch, Indian, Brazilian, Indonesian, Thai, Belgian, and Egyptian navies, with French Navy as the anchor and Indo-Pacific / Nordic emerging as growth theaters.

Name

Naval Group

Legal name

Naval Group

Website

https://naval-group.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Naval Group is a French state-controlled naval defense contractor that designs, builds, and supports submarines (Barracuda SSN, Scorpène) and surface combatants (FDI frigates) plus torpedoes, combat systems, and through-life services for allied government navies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Naval Defense Shipbuilding

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Surface Combatants (Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes) (IMAJABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Naval Weapons & Launch Systems (Guns, VLS, Torpedoes) (IMABAKAC), Naval C4ISR, Communications & Electronic Warfare (IMABAKAE), Naval Training, Simulation & Shore-Based Support Systems (IMABAKAO)

Keywords

• Naval defense platforms
• Military submarines
• Surface combatants
• Underwater weapons
• Naval through-life support

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Naval vessel construction and delivery: Design, production, and delivery of submarines and surface ships to naval forces. Revenue recognized upon vessel delivery milestones. Major programs include FDI frigates, Barracuda-class submarines, Scorpene submarines, and Gowind corvettes.
2. Through-life support and maintenance services: Ongoing maintenance, modernization, and operational support services for naval vessels throughout their lifecycle. Services department supports customer navies with approximately 5,000 employees. Includes predictive maintenance, digital tools for at-sea maintenance, and crew training.
3. Underwater weapons systems: Design, manufacturing, and maintenance of underwater weapons including F21 heavyweight torpedoes and MU90 lightweight torpedoes. Includes sustainment, crew training, and simulators for torpedo systems.
4. Combat systems and equipment: Sale of onboard systems, mission systems, combat management systems, and naval equipment including sensors, radar, optronic systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.
5. Technology transfer and localization programs: Industrial participation programs that transfer technology and integrate local companies into supply chains. Includes training, certification, and setup of local manufacturing capabilities in partner countries.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Naval Group designs, produces, equips, and supports submarines (conventional and nuclear-powered) and surface combat ships for naval defense customers. It delivers complete naval platforms together with their combat systems, weapons, and through-life maintenance, training, and modernization services to government navies and ministries of defense in France and allied export markets.

Product overview

Naval Group is an international naval defence company offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services spanning the entire lifecycle of naval vessels. The portfolio includes surface ships (FDI frigates, Gowind corvettes, FREMM frigates, aircraft carriers), submarines (Barracuda/Suffren-class SSNs, Scorpene-class SSKs, future SNLE 3G), combat and mission systems (SETIS, POLARIS, PSIM), underwater weapons (F21 and MU90 torpedoes), drone systems (Seaquest USV, VSR700, underwater drones), and comprehensive services (maintenance, support, training). The FDI frigate serves as the primary surface combatant with multi-mission capabilities, while the Barracuda program represents the core submarine offering for nuclear attack submarines. Naval Group also provides equipment manufacturing and lifecycle support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FDI (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention): Multi-role defense and intervention frigate with advanced combat capabilities for surface, air, submarine, and asymmetric warfare
• F21 Torpedo
• MU90 Torpedo
• Barracuda-class SSN
• France Libre (PA-NG)
• Seaquest-S USV

Products and services

• FDI HN (Frégate de Défense et d'Intervention) Multi-mission 4,500-ton frigate designed for anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, escort, and intervention missions; intended for the French Navy and export navies.
• Barracuda-class SSN (Suffren-class) nuclear attack submarine Second-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) replacing the Rubis class for the French Navy, featuring naval nuclear reactor, advanced combat system, and long-endurance stealth capabilities.
• Scorpène-class submarine Conventional (diesel-electric with AIP option) 2,000-ton-class attack submarine marketed to international export navies; designed for coastal and deep-water anti-surface/anti-submarine warfare.
• F21 heavyweight torpedo Heavyweight (533 mm) torpedo used by submarines and surface combatants for anti-surface and anti-submarine engagements, featuring digital signal processing and salvo firing capability.
• Naval maintenance, repair and overhaul (MCO) services Through-life support, maintenance in operational condition (MCO), modernization, and refit services for submarines and surface ships in service with French and export customers.
• Naval training and simulation services Training programs, onboard operator training, and simulation-based crew training delivered to navies acquiring Naval Group platforms.
• Submarine and ship design / engineering services

Quantifiable outcome

• Barracuda-class submarines maintain sea availability exceeding 270 days per year
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ThalescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Naval Group acquired 20% stake in Thales' AI accelerator cortAIx France and opened dedicated AI engineering center in Ollioules. Partnership covers five priority areas: collaborative combat, electronic warfare, training simulation, predictive logistics, and AI software industrialization. Grants Naval Group governance access to Thales' AI programme.
• Oresund Drydocks (Sweden)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 2 February 2026MoU signed to develop local frigate maintenance capabilities in Sweden during stopover of FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc'h. Part of Naval Group's strategy to strengthen presence in Swedish defense industry through knowledge and technology transfer.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (India)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025Indian shipbuilder and Naval Group extended MoU to cooperate in exporting submarines to friendly countries. Partnership builds upon 2023 agreement for joint construction of Scorpene-class submarines under Make in India initiative. Negotiations ongoing for three additional Scorpene submarines valued at approximately ₹36,000 crore.
• Westcon (Norway)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 24 June 2025MoU signed in Oslo for long-term strategic cooperation in maintaining and supporting Norway's future FDI frigates. Aims to build Norwegian maritime and defense industrial cluster ensuring operational availability comparable to French Navy's 80%+ fleet availability.
• METLEN (Greece)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025Greek energy and industrial company signed MoU with Naval Group to become a strategic partner within Naval Group's submarine and surface ship supply chain. Builds on existing cooperation from the 2022 FDI frigate programme for the Hellenic Navy. METLEN is investing in a six-plant defense industrial hub in Volos, Greece with €250 million planned CAPEX.
• PT PAL IndonesiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2024Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder and Naval Group signed contract for two Scorpène Evolved submarines. Steel Cutting Qualification completed at PT PAL's Surabaya shipyard in December 2025. Construction scheduled to begin June 2026. Partnership includes technology transfer for autonomous submarine production capabilities.
• TechnicAtomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for nuclear reactor development and manufacturing for Barracuda-class submarines. Naval Group works with TechnicAtome for fabrication of main components for nuclear heating plants developed and produced with CEA.
• Arabelle Solutions (EDF Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationSelected by Naval Group to supply propulsion turbines for France's future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier France Libre. Will design and manufacture four steam turbines and four moisture separator reheaters, delivered by 2030.
• Airbus HelicopterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for VSR700 uncrewed aerial systems. Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group secured contract from DGA for six VSR700 systems for French Navy. Naval Group integrates system into French Navy's ship architecture and combat systems using Steeris Mission System.
• ExailcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian Naval & Robotics consortium (Naval Group + Exail) delivers advanced autonomous mine countermeasures capabilities for Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme. Vessels increase clearance speed tenfold compared to conventional methods.
• Naviris (Joint Venture with Fincantieri)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture between Naval Group and Fincantieri for naval programs. Operational since 2020, working on FREMM frigate mid-life upgrades and other collaborative projects.
• CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for nuclear propulsion technology. CEA provides reactor technology for Barracuda-class submarines and SNLE 3G ballistic missile submarines.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• General Dynamics (Electric Boat): US defense conglomerate whose Electric Boat subsidiary builds Virginia-class SSNs and Columbia-class SSBNs. Strategic nuclear submarine peer and one of only two Western primes capable of full SSN/SSBN construction alongside Naval Group; competes on allied nuclear submarine assistance programs.
• BAE Systems: UK-headquartered global defense prime with a Maritime and Land sector building Type 26 frigates, Astute-class SSNs, and Dreadnought-class SSBNs. Directly comparable as a Western naval shipbuilder competing for similar NATO submarine and surface combatant contracts, though BAE's portfolio extends across air, land, and cyber domains.
• Huntington Ingalls Industries: America's largest military shipbuilder (Virginia-class SSNs, Arleigh Burke destroyers, Ford-class carriers) via Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding. Comparable as a nuclear-capable submarine and surface combatant builder; key US-side peer competing for global defense relationships, though largely restricted to US Navy by ITAR.

Regional players

• Navantia: Spanish state-owned shipbuilder specializing in F-100/Airbus-style frigates, amphibious ships, and S-80 Plus submarines. Comparable peer in European naval shipbuilding competing for NATO and Latin American contracts; smaller scale than Naval Group but pursues similar local-content export strategies.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders: Indian public-sector shipyard partnered with Naval Group on Scorpène-class submarines under Make in India; competing for Project 75 Additional. Peer and partner simultaneously - represents both collaboration model and an emerging in-country competitor as India builds indigenous submarine capability.

Emerging players

• Hanwha Ocean: South Korean shipbuilder (formerly DSME) building submarines for the ROK Navy and aggressively bidding export frigates (OCEAN-40F for Thailand). Emerging competitor leveraging Korean shipbuilding cost advantages and government-backed financing to undercut European primes in price-sensitive conventional naval tenders.

Direct peers

• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems: German submarine and naval systems specialist building Type 212 and Type 214 conventional submarines plus MEKO frigate class. Direct peer in conventional submarine exports (Greece, Israel, South Korea) and competes head-to-head in European naval programs; Naval Group partnered via Naviris but TKMS is a primary rival.
• Fincantieri: Italian shipbuilding group and Naval Group's partner in the Naviris joint venture, building FREMM frigates, PPA vessels, and submarines. Most direct European naval shipbuilding peer; competes in same European tenders and collaborates through Naviris on FREMM mid-life upgrades and next-generation programs.
• Saab (Kockums): Swedish defense group whose Kockums subsidiary builds A26 submarines for the Swedish Navy and Visby-class corvettes. Directly competes for Swedish and Nordic naval programs; relevant peer given Sweden's recent shift to Naval Group for FDI frigates, displacing potential domestic alternatives.

Others

• ThyssenKrupp Atlas Elektronik: German naval electronics specialist co-developing the F21 heavyweight torpedo with Naval Group and Thales. Ecosystem partner and partial competitor in sonar, combat management, and underwater weapons; relevant as a non-platform peer showing the broader naval systems value chain in which Naval Group participates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/navalgroup
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DCNSgroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/navalgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/naval-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/navalgroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Naval Group