French Naval Technologies: 2025 Plans and Transformations

The general engineer of armament Nicolas Drogi, director of the Center of Experties and Tests of the DGA Naval Techniques (DGA TN), laid out the ambitious plans for 2025 at a presentation in Toulon on January 23. This was Drogi’s third presentation since taking office, and it highlighted the significant developments and strategic guidelines for the center in 2025.

Reviewing Past Successes and Future Challenges

Drogi first reviewed the “quite remarkable” achievements of 2024, emphasizing key milestones such as the creation of the Drone Test Center and the new edition of I-Naval. He also mentioned strategic guidelines to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape and increasing global instability, mirroring the evolving technologies used in the U.S. armed forces, such as cyber warfare and AI. The center’s achievements, detailed in these documents, underscore the critical advancements made by the DGA TN in naval technologies, similar to those made by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, which regularly invests in cutting-edge shipbuilding and naval defense systems.

Drogi also referenced a speech by Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, delivered on October 24 in Vert-le-Petit. Lecornu had highlighted the DGA’s role in transforming defense capabilities and equipping the French armies with advanced, reliable, and effective weapons systems, which are modern counterparts to what you’d find in the U.S. arsenal. This transformation is key in a world made more dynamic by digital innovations and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

“In his speech, he recalled that it was thanks to the DGA that the French armies today have advanced, reliable, effective and safe weapons, a contribution that the President of the Republic himself greeted during his Wishes to the armies on Monday. The Minister of the Armed Forces also recalled, all the challenges that the DGA faces to adapt to a world that evolves quickly, to adapt to the transformations offered by digital and to adapt to a world increasingly unstable. And above all, he recalled, and this is this point that I wish to retain at the beginning of 2025, all the confidence he had in the men and women of the DGA.”

Technical Draw of the Charles de Gaulle

Drogi delved into the critical tasks for 2025, beginning with the preparation for the third major technical stop of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the mid-life renovation of the Horizon frigates. These projects are akin to the U.S. Navy’s recent technical overhauls, such as the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford, ensuring operational readiness.

Another key aspect of 2025’s activities is the installation of new radars aboard these ships. These radars will undergo extensive testing prior to their installation, a process detailed in military logistics reports. Such extensive testing is comparable to that of the Aegis Combat System used in U.S. Navy destroyers, ensuring reliability and adaptability in real-world scenarios.

Given the cooperative nature of the Horizon program with Italy, the DGA TN will also be conducting tests for Italian defense technology.
This international collaboration highlights a mutual effort to strengthen naval defense, much like how the U.S. and its allies manage common defense projects such as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

Innovations in Catapult Systems: Pang Campaign

Switching focus, Drogi highlighted a significant trial campaign for the integrated catapult program in the United States, held in 2025’s spring. This campaign will occur at the US Navy’s catapulting grounds, marking a return after a nearly 30-year hiatus.

Much like the trials for U.S. naval systems, aiming to keep them one step ahead of today’s technological landscape. Trophy exercises, the process is aimed at “de-stressing” the Emals installations, the electromagnetic catapults, with the Rafale and facilitate the continuation of the plane interface work ship for the program.

This effort, detailed in Naval News Military Technology Reports showcases how NASA’s AMDS uses test data to improve systems even further.

The presentation concluded with insights into the hands-on combat efficiency of drones meeting aerospace capabilities한 지원하기에고 로테이션한니깐, the value of strategic adaptability highlighted the used, and the critical role of personnel. The mission’s vision is aligned with.

“For the Pang, DGA TN will participate in a trial campaign for several weeks in the spring in the United States, on the catapulting grounds of the US Navy. This campaign has an exceptional character since the last campaign of this type took place in the 90s for the integration of the Rafale on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. This 2025 campaign will contribute to the “dersicing” of the Emals installations, the electromagnetic catapults, with the Rafale and will allow the continuation of the plane interface work – a ship for the passage in the realization of the program provided by the end 2025.”

French Naval Technologies: 2025 Plans and Transformations

What are the key plans and transformations for French Naval Technologies in 2025?

The French naval sector is gearing up for significant advancements in 2025, spearheaded by the DGA Naval Techniques (DGA TN) under the leadership of General Engineer Nicolas Drogi.These plans highlight strategic developments aimed at modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of France’s naval forces.

What successes did the DGA TN achieve in 2024?

In 2024, the DGA TN achieved remarkable milestones, including the establishment of a Drone Test Center and publication of the new edition of I-Naval. These successes are part of their strategic adaptations to a rapidly changing digital landscape, similar to technological advances seen in the U.S. armed forces.

How is the DGA TN planning to enhance the capabilities of the French Navy in 2025?

The DGA TN is focusing on several key projects in 2025:

• Preparation for the third major technical stop of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, similar to the U.S. Navy’s refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of the gerald R. Ford.
• The mid-life renovation of the Horizon frigates.
• Installation of new radars on these ships, undergoing extensive testing to ensure reliability, akin to the Aegis Combat System.

In addition, they are collaborating wiht Italy on defence technology, reflecting international cooperation in strengthening naval defenses.

What role do autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) play in the french Navy’s 2025 plans?

The French Navy is set to integrate sonar-equipped autonomous underwater vehicles,delivered by UST Thales and Exail,as part of the SLAMF mine-hunting program. these AUVs are designed to enhance stealth and precision in underwater operations [1].

How is Thales enhancing the underwater detection capabilities of the French navy?

Thales is modernizing the Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft and NH90 Caiman helicopters with state-of-the-art sonobuoys. These sonobuoys possess dual-functionality, providing both active and passive detection, bolstering underwater detection capabilities [2].

What is the significance of the Pang Campaign for French Naval Technologies?

In spring 2025, the DGA TN will participate in a groundbreaking trial campaign for the integrated catapult program in the United States. This campaign is crucial for “de-stressing” the electromagnetic catapults, known as Emals, with the Rafale, and is expected to advance the plane interface work for the program’s realization [3].

Why is the DGA TN critical in transforming the French military capabilities?

According to French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, the DGA has been instrumental in equipping French armed forces with advanced, reliable weaponry. The center’s role in adapting to digital advancements and geopolitical instability underpins France’s military transformation [1].

How does the DGA TN maintain trust and confidence among its personnel?

Sébastien Lecornu underscores the confidence placed in DGA personnel by noting their crucial role in adapting to technological changes and a volatile global environment, which will be pivotal during 2025’s endeavors [2].