Western Navies Urged to Innovate Amid Rapid Changes in Maritime Warfare

PARIS — The heads of the French and British navies emphasized the urgent need for innovation in maritime warfare at the Euronaval industry conference held outside Paris on Monday. They outlined the challenges posed by rapidly evolving threats, requiring navies to work more closely with industrial partners.

French Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nicolas Vaujour highlighted that traditional naval vessels, expected to remain relevant for up to 40 years, can no longer rely on existing weapon systems due to their anticipated dramatic changes over that time span. He asserted that weapon systems might need annual adaptations, stressing the importance of "building adaptable by design." Vaujour stated, "You must build the ship to be adaptable during 40 years, which is quite tricky."

His comments were echoed by Adm. Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff of the U.K.’s Royal Navy, who pointed out the challenge of generational technology changes occurring faster than the time required to construct new ships. "We need to implement new capabilities far quicker than the speed at which we can build a hull," Key remarked, urging a shift in mindset toward detaching operational capabilities from the platforms meant to deliver them.

Recent conflicts have further illustrated the need for agility. Ukraine’s effective use of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to deny Russian access to the Black Sea, alongside Yemen’s Houthi rebels’ drone strikes against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, have underscored the evolving landscape of maritime threats. "If you stay with your old doctrine, you will be dead very rapidly," warned Vaujour.

Collaboration between French and British navies has accelerated innovation in response to these threats, specifically their partnership with defense firm MBDA to enhance missile performance amid urgent operational demands. Key emphasized a need for forces to focus sharply on critical factors rather than pursuing ideal solutions that may arrive too late.

Both admirals indicated that their forces must adapt to new technological demands, illustrating this with Vaujour’s experience of employing a helicopter to intercept a hostile drone — a scenario only previously rehearsed in training a few weeks prior. He noted that facing constant threats, similar to those encountered in the Red Sea, could be taxing on crew members, leading to a possible reconsideration of crew numbers onboard.

Looking ahead, both navies stressed that increased cooperation with industrial partners is essential for fostering innovation. The French Navy plans to integrate industry engineers directly onto ships in the coming weeks, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence, to improve understanding and expedite development. Key acknowledged the necessity for U.K. industrial partners to also provide training and share risks more effectively.

As the pace of equipment development accelerates, the British naval chief concluded, "We require a much more agile mindset about the way we develop our capabilities," highlighting the urgency and complexity of modern maritime warfare innovation.

Rudy Ruitenberg, Europe Correspondent for Defense News

Rota Naval Base, Spain – The Spanish frigate “Numancia” has returned to its home base in Rota after a successful five-month deployment in the Indian Ocean, part of the EU-led Operation Atalanta. The mission aimed to enhance maritime security and counter piracy threats off the coast of Somalia.

During its deployment, the “Numancia” undertook crucial surveillance and maritime security tasks, significantly increasing awareness in a strategically important area. The Spanish Ministry of Defense highlighted the frigate’s use of advanced defense systems, specifically developed to address emerging unmanned aerial threats that have recently become a challenge in the region.

Sailing an impressive 26,000 nautical miles (29,920 miles or 48,152 kilometers) over 152 days, the “Numancia” crew collaborated seamlessly with various military and intelligence units, as well as a medical support team, to ensure the mission’s objectives were met effectively.

Operation Atalanta, initiated in 2008, focuses on protecting UN World Food Program aid shipments and preventing illegal activities in the Horn of Africa. The mission is supported by personnel and equipment from EU member states, with individual countries covering most costs along with a shared budget set at 6.3 million euros ($6.8 million) this year.

Since its inception, Operation Atalanta has facilitated the delivery of over 3.3 million tons of aid and has succeeded in seizing nearly 16 tons of narcotics, reinforcing its commitment to maritime security and humanitarian assistance in the region.

US Coast Guard Enhances MH-60T Jayhawk Fleet with Modernization Initiatives

Astoria, Oregon — The US Coast Guard has successfully delivered a modified MH-60T Jayhawk medium-range recovery helicopter to Air Station Astoria as part of its ongoing service life extension program (SLEP). This initiative aims to extend the operational lifespan of the Jayhawk fleet, which has been in service since the 1990s.

As part of the modernization process, the helicopters are being equipped with new hulls, electrical wiring harnesses, and main rotor blades, allowing for an approximate increase of 20,000 additional flight hours. In a strategic effort to boost operational capabilities, the Coast Guard is also utilizing low-flight-hour US Navy H-60 hulls from airframes such as the HH-60H Pave Hawk and SH-60F Seahawk to augment the Jayhawk fleet.

Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has already delivered three out of the 45 new hulls ordered for this significant program. Additionally, another upgraded MH-60T, equipped with a converted Navy hull, was sent to a new air station in Point Mugu, California, in August 2024.

The assembly and installation of these modifications are being conducted at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Coast Guard has emphasized that this sustainment effort not only addresses fleet longevity but also facilitates fleet growth as the service gears towards an entirely MH-60T equipped fleet.

“This transition is crucial to mitigating sustainability challenges posed by the MH-65 short-range recovery helicopter, ensuring the continuity of our rotary wing capabilities until a recapitalization aligns with the Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift program,” stated a Coast Guard spokesperson.

The MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter measures 64 feet (20 meters) in length and possesses a wingspan of 53 feet (16 meters). It is equipped not only for search and rescue operations but also has the option to be armed with semi-automatic rifles or medium machine guns for enhanced operational protection. The helicopter is powered by two gas turbine engines, each delivering 1,890 horsepower, enabling it to reach altitudes up to 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), achieve a top speed of 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, and cover a range of 806 miles (1,296 kilometers).

As the Coast Guard moves forward with this extensive modernization initiative, it aims to ensure a resilient and capable rotary wing fleet ready to respond to a variety of missions in diverse operational environments.

French Public Investment Bank Bpifrance Eyes Increased Export Financing for Defense Firms

PARIS – In a bid to bolster France’s defense sector competitiveness on the global stage, the public investment bank Bpifrance is advocating for an increase in its export financing limits for small and medium-sized defense firms. Currently, Bpifrance provides up to €25 million (approximately US$27 million) for export deals, a figure that Bpifrance’s head of export finance, Hugues Latourrette, aims to elevate to roughly €40 million by 2025.

Speaking at the Euronaval exhibition outside Paris, Latourrette emphasized the growing need for enhanced financing as the dynamics of the defense industry evolve. “We’re pushing in that direction because we feel there’s a need,” he stated. While these financing limits have recently affected only a limited number of companies, Latourrette noted that changes in the industry could quickly alter this landscape.

The role of Bpifrance is particularly significant as large commercial banks remain hesitant to finance amounts below €40 million for small and medium-sized exporters. Latourrette refrained from disclosing specific company names seeking export financing, citing confidentiality concerns.

He highlighted the competitive nature of foreign defense markets, where producers from countries such as Turkey, South Korea, and Israel pose challenges for French manufacturers. “A commercial and technical proposal is not necessarily enough to win an export deal. Often, it needs to be complemented by a robust financial offer,” he explained.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, France ranked as the second-largest arms exporter from 2019 to 2023, responsible for 11% of global arms exports. The country boasts approximately 4,000 small and medium-sized firms within the defense industry, as reported by the Armed Forces Ministry.

Bpifrance has been instrumental in helping defense exporters secure contracts, particularly in African markets, and remains active in export negotiations throughout Europe. Notably, the bank exclusively provides financing in euros and refrains from conducting dollar transactions due to concerns over extraterritorial actions.

This proposed increase in export financing reflects a strategic move to support French defense firms in securing their foothold in an increasingly competitive global arms market, paving the way for potential growth and expansion in the coming years.

Rudy Ruitenberg, Europe Correspondent for Defense News, reported on this development, drawing from his extensive experience in covering technology, commodity markets, and political developments.

US Army Awards $37.7 Million Contract for Bell Textron Helicopters

The US Army has awarded a significant contract to Bell Textron for the provision of three 412 EPX medium utility helicopters, as part of its foreign military sales program. The contract, valued at $37.7 million, is designed to support multiple buyers, although the specific recipients remain undisclosed due to "potential customer sensitivities," as stated by the US Army Cargo Helicopters Project Office.

The Department of Defense has confirmed that the helicopters are intended for more than one foreign military customer, but the identities of these partners cannot be revealed due to contractual agreements. The assembly and delivery of the helicopters will take place at Bell’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, with work expected to continue through December 2025.

In a related announcement, Subaru, co-producer of the EPX helicopter, disclosed that it has signed a deal to supply two of these aircraft to the Japan Coast Guard. With this addition, the coast guard will be expanding its fleet to include six EPX models, complementing its existing operational capabilities which feature over 40 helicopters from the Bell 412 and the older 212 models.

The Bell 412 EPX, a 56-foot (15-meter) utility helicopter, is designed with modern technology and performance features. This includes a cargo hook capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms) and seating for up to 15 passengers. Its advanced cockpit is equipped with touchscreen flight monitors and four high-definition displays to assist with navigation and situational awareness. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney engine, the EPX has an operational range of 415 miles (669 kilometers), a flight time of approximately four hours, and a top speed of 161 miles (259 kilometers) per hour.

As international demand for versatile and advanced military helicopters continues to grow, these deliveries underscore the ongoing commitment of the US and its allies to enhancing their aerial capabilities.

French Naval Industry Expands Global Presence at Euronaval 2023

PARIS — November 4, 2023 — The French naval industry showcased its strength and innovation on the opening day of Euronaval 2023, held from November 4-7 in Paris, marking a significant milestone with several lucrative contracts announced.

In a major development, Safran revealed that the Egyptian Navy has chosen its advanced VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems to enhance the capabilities of ten offshore patrol vessels. These high-tech systems are designed to detect and track threats, utilizing short-wave infrared technology that excels in low-visibility conditions, such as darkness or fog. According to Safran, the VIGY 4 system is also capable of driving small and medium-caliber weapons, reinforcing the operational effectiveness of the vessels.

Exail, another prominent French defense company, announced a significant contract to modernize the German Navy’s Brandenburg-class frigates (F-123). The partnership will focus on enhancing the navigation capabilities of these vessels by upgrading their Netans data distribution units and Marins inertial navigation systems, which will improve the speed of information distribution and positioning accuracy. Jens Higgen, regional sales director at Exail, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Arche and Saab to deliver cutting-edge technology for the frigate program.

On the sidelines of the Euronaval exhibition, a strategic collaboration was also forged, as Naval Group signed an Initial Consortium Agreement with Spanish and Italian shipbuilders Navantia and Fincantieri. This collaboration, alongside Naviris—a joint venture between Fincantieri and Naval Group—aims to advance the second phase of the multinational multi-role patrol corvette (MMPC) project. This initiative builds on the existing European Patrol Corvette program, and the new phase focuses on completing the corvette designs and integrating advanced technological packages, equipping the vessels for diverse operational roles.

As the Euronaval show unfolds, the French naval sector continues to solidify its position in the global defense market, reflecting a commitment to innovation and international cooperation in maritime security.

Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo is a Europe correspondent for Defense News, covering military procurement and international security, with a specialization in aviation. She is based in Milan, Italy.

South Korea Contracts for 100 Meteor Missiles to Equip KF-21 Fighter Jets

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has signed a significant defense contract for the procurement of 100 Meteor air-to-air missiles from the European manufacturer MBDA. This contract aligns with the first production phase of South Korea’s newly developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

The agreement was finalized last week, coinciding with the commencement of manufacturing the KF-21. This initiative is intended to modernize the Republic of Korea Air Force, which has been relying on older F-4 and F-5 aircraft. The initial production phase aims to build 20 KF-21 jets, with operational deployment expected by late 2026. Future projections estimate that South Korea will ultimately produce over 130 KF-21 aircraft by 2032.

The Meteor missile is renowned globally for its advanced capabilities, featuring a range exceeding 200 kilometers (124 miles) and a no-escape zone of 60 kilometers (37 miles) — the largest of any air-to-air missile. Powered by a ramjet engine and equipped with an active radar seeker, the Meteor can effectively engage a wide range of aerial targets including fast jets, small drones, and cruise missiles. The missile is designed with both impact and proximity fuses, equipped with a fragmentation warhead, enhancing its lethality in combat situations.

The KF-21 program is a collaborative effort between South Korea and Indonesia, with South Korea holding a 60% stake, Indonesia at 20%, and the remainder held by private firms, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The development is structured into three blocks, each introducing enhanced capabilities over the previous versions. Anticipations for the aircraft include various derivatives for electronic warfare, carrier operations, and export assignments.

In 2019, KAI entered into an agreement with MBDA to ensure the integration of the Meteor missile systems with the KF-21 jets, which also included support for test equipment and expertise transfer for successful missile integration and trial campaigns. Additionally, both companies have explored integrating other MBDA missiles, such as the Brimstone and Spear, onto KAI platforms.

The KF-21 has already undergone testing with the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile this year, demonstrating its promise as a next-generation fighter jet for South Korea’s military needs.

Navantia Installs First Air-Independent Propulsion System in Spanish Navy Submarine

Cartagena, Spain – Navantia has officially commenced the installation of the first air-independent propulsion (AIP) system on the Spanish Navy’s S-80 Plus-class submarine, the Cosme Garcia (S-83). This marks a significant milestone as the S-83 is the third of the four submarines in the S-80 class and the first to integrate this advanced technology.

The Spanish Navy plans to enhance its fleet further, with the Isaac Peral (S-81) and Narciso Monturiol (S-82) vessels also set to receive the AIP system during their respective first major overhauls. The S-81 was commissioned earlier this year in 2023, while the S-82 is anticipated to enter service in 2026. The Cosme Garcia is expected to be commissioned in 2028.

According to statements from Navantia, this cutting-edge AIP system is capable of operating at any depth and under a wide range of operational conditions. It allows for adaptability across various naval missions, making it the most advanced AIP system available on the market today.

The AIP technology enables the submarine to recharge its batteries efficiently while submerged, utilizing a fuel cell that generates electricity from hydrogen produced by processing bioethanol and oxygen. As a result, the submarine can maintain underwater operations for weeks—two to three times longer than conventional submarines—minimizing the risk of detection by radar and visual means.

The journey for the S-80 class submarines began in 2004 when the Spanish government awarded a contract to IZAR for their construction, with an initial delivery expected within seven years. However, design challenges led to substantial delays, with the first delivery only occurring in 2023.

The S-80 Plus submarines have been redesigned, featuring an additional length of 10 meters (33 feet), bringing them to a total length of 81 meters (266 feet), and increasing their weight to approximately 3,000 tons. The submarines boast an impressive endurance of 50 days and can reach surface speeds of 10 knots (19 kilometers per hour), with submerged speeds of up to 19 knots (35 kilometers per hour). Each submarine is designed to accommodate a crew of 32, with space for an additional eight personnel, and is equipped with six 21-inch (533 mm) bow torpedo tubes capable of launching torpedoes, mines, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

The introduction of the AIP system and the enhanced operational capabilities of the S-80 Plus class underscore Spain’s commitment to bolstering its naval defense resources in the face of evolving maritime challenges.