Exail to supply navigation systems for French Navy OPVs

Graphic depiction of the French Navy's new offshore patrol vessels. (Naval Group)

French navigation system house Exail has been selected to provide inertial navigation systems (INSs) and data distribution units for the French Navy's Patrouilleurs Hauturiers offshore patrol vessel (OPV) programme.

Under a contract with Naval Group, announced by Exail on 5 September, the company will supply its photonic inertial navigation system (Phins) and Netans data distribution and processing units for the new class of OPVs.

The French defence procurement agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement: DGA) in November 2023 awarded a temporary shipbuilding consortium formed by Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN), Piriou, and Socarenam a contract covering the construction of seven new multi-purpose Patrouilleurs Hauturiers- class OPVs for the French Navy. At the same time, Naval Group was awarded a contract covering project management and supply of the combat system, and Thales was awarded a contract for the supply and integration of the sensor suite.

The first of class is expected to be handed over to the French Navy in 2026, with deliveries planned to be completed by 2030. An additional three OPVs may be added to the fleet after 2030, bringing the total number of OPV replacements to 10.

According to Exail, Phins is based on the company's fibre-optic gyroscope technology and provides highly accurate navigational data resilient to signal disturbances. The Netans system, meanwhile, will ensure the OPVs receive consistent, reliable, and precise navigation data, while adhering to safety and security standards and addressing potential cyber-security risks, the company said.