Euronaval opens as France presents future carrier and uncrewed naval projects
Euronaval has opened near Paris, bringing governments, naval manufacturers and technology companies together until November 6. France is presenting a future aircraft carrier, uncrewed vessels and protection for maritime infrastructure. The programmes span long development schedules and maintenance requirements, with the proposed France Libre carrier intended to replace Charles de Gaulle around 2038. The exhibition also addresses surveillance and naval self-protection.
Geopolitics··Evening
Euronaval brings governments and shipbuilders to Villepinte
Euronaval, the international naval defence exhibition, has opened near Paris. The event runs from November 3 to November 6 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition centre in France. Naval manufacturers, defence ministries, military representatives and technology companies are taking part in its thirtieth edition, with uncrewed systems among the subjects on display.[1], [2]
At Euronaval, the French armed forces ministry is presenting priorities in maritime intelligence and surveillance, protection against complex threats and the ability to project military power over long distances. The exhibition takes place as navies prepare for high-intensity conflict and manufacturers face the industrial demands of developing and maintaining increasingly complex vessels.[1]
France Libre is planned to replace Charles de Gaulle
France Libre is the proposed nuclear-powered aircraft carrier intended to succeed Charles de Gaulle. Entry into service is targeted for around 2038. Its long development schedule requires provision for future aircraft, sensors and weapons, while nuclear propulsion, aviation operations and maintenance require supporting industrial and logistical capacity. The carrier remains a development project.[1]
Uncrewed vessels and seabed protection enter the programme
France is also presenting DANAÉ, an initiative launched in January to develop autonomous surface vessels, and a large uncrewed underwater vehicle programme building on Naval Group’s earlier work. Both are development initiatives. Human control, secure communications and reliable navigation remain among the requirements, alongside the resources needed to sustain the systems.[1]
Underwater sensors and vehicles feature in plans to protect telecommunications cables and energy connections. Persistent monitoring over wide areas requires maintenance resources and cooperation between military and civilian operators. Naval self-protection systems are another part of France’s exhibition programme, alongside its longer-term carrier and uncrewed-vessel plans.[1]
