Naval Group Strengthens Sovereign AI Capabilities Through Strategic Thales Alliance
PARIS, 15 February 2026 – French naval defence leader Naval Group has announced a significant expansion of its technological footprint, acquiring a 20% stake in Thales’s artificial intelligence accelerator, cortAIx France. The move signals a shift towards “digital-native” warfare as the shipbuilder integrates advanced AI into its next generation of submarines and surface vessels.
Strategic Partnership with Thales for Sovereign AI
In a major consolidation of French defence expertise, Naval Group has joined the governance of cortAIx, the AI-focused division of Thales. This multi-year strategic agreement aims to deploy sovereign AI solutions across the French Navy’s fleet before the end of the year. The partnership focuses on critical systems, including drone projection ships and underwater combat management, ensuring that sensitive military data remains under national control.
Beyond AI, Naval Group is addressing modern electronic warfare challenges. The company recently partnered with Lithuanian firm Astrolight to equip vessels with jam-resistant laser communication terminals, specifically designed to counter increased signal interference observed in the Baltic Sea region.
Expansion in Northern Europe: The Swedish Frigate Bid
Naval Group is aggressively pursuing new contracts in Northern Europe, specifically targeting Sweden’s naval modernisation programme. The group has proposed its FDI (Defence and Intervention) frigates to the Swedish Navy. To bolster its bid, Naval Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Westcon Naval Shipyard to create a local support ecosystem, mirroring a similar industrial localisation strategy recently established in Norway.
Global Operations and Legacy Data
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Core Expertise | Nuclear and Conventional Submarines, Surface Ships |
| Submarines Delivered | 37 to date |
| Key Technology | Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) via Capella |
| Strategic Partners | Thales (AI), Astrolight (Laser Comms) |
Developments in Australia
While Naval Group has pivoted its focus back to European and Middle Eastern markets, the legacy of its former Australian engagement continues to shape Pacific maritime policy. On Sunday, 15 February 2026, the Australian government announced a €2.4 billion (A$3.9 billion) “down payment” for the Osborn shipyard in Adelaide. This facility, originally intended for Naval Group’s Attack-class project, will now be repurposed to build SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines based on British designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Naval Group and Thales alliance?
The alliance allows Naval Group to integrate Thales’s “cortAIx” artificial intelligence into naval combat systems. This ensures that French warships use sovereign, secure AI for decision-making and drone management rather than relying on foreign software architectures.
Is Naval Group still building submarines for Australia?
No. The “SEA1000” contract was cancelled in 2021. Australia is currently investing in infrastructure in Adelaide to build nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the United Kingdom and the United States.
What is the FDI frigate?
The FDI (Fregates de Défense et d’Intervention) is Naval Group’s latest digital frigate. It is designed for anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare, featuring a compact design and integrated digital systems that Naval Group is currently marketing to Sweden and other European allies.