Young sailors in combat uniforms represent fresh talent aboard the *Tourville*, a newly tested nuclear-powered submarine. With a significant portion of the crew recently graduated, the vessel operates with two teams on missions of up to fifty days. Amid rising global military demands, Naval Group, partly state-owned, is expanding its export efforts, securing contracts for submarines in countries like the Netherlands and Indonesia. Their competitive edge lies in advanced technology and strategic concessions, fostering local production and partnerships.
Young Sailors and Their Advanced Submarine
Wearing their combat uniforms adorned with the French Navy emblem, sailors meander through the Cherbourg shipyard in Manche, capturing the attention of onlookers. Their youthful faces reflect the fresh talent aboard the *Tourville*, a nuclear-powered attack submarine that recently completed its testing phase at the General Directorate of Armament’s facility. “A third of the crew, which totals 65 sailors, have just graduated, and their captain is just 40 years old,” shares one of our guides from Naval Group, the leading manufacturer of French maritime defense systems, whether above or below the sea.
This submarine operates with two alternating crews, known as the blue and red teams, who embark on missions without prior knowledge of their destinations. Once aboard, they prepare for approximately fifty days of isolation within the steel confines of these impressive vessels, each around 100 meters long and weighing between 4,000 and 5,000 tons.
Geopolitical Tensions and Naval Group’s Global Strategy
In light of current global dynamics, the demand for military rearmament is rising sharply. “Our international operations have always been robust, but in the past two years, the market has become even more vibrant. Nations are eager to strengthen their capabilities to safeguard their sovereignty,” explains Muriel Lenglin, who took the helm of Naval Group in Cherbourg in the summer of 2023.
Incidents like the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage—a strange episode linked to the Ukrainian conflict—have underscored the significance of underwater military strength. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in regions such as the Red Sea and South China Sea, particularly around Taiwan, serve as daily reminders of this reality. “The Russians frequently probe our territorial waters, actively tracking our surface vessels with their radar,” admits a senior officer from the French Navy.
In response, Naval Group, with 64% ownership by the French state and 36% by Thales, is spearheading 12 export initiatives across various countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and India. Recently, they secured a deal with the Netherlands for four Barracuda submarines—similar to the *Tourville* but conventionally powered—estimated at around 4 billion euros. “This contract is a pleasant surprise, as the Netherlands has historically leaned towards German suppliers,” notes Julien Malizard, a Defense Economy expert.
This lucrative agreement follows a prior contract with Indonesia for two Scorpène submarines and ongoing negotiations with India for additional models. “We see overlapping markets; alongside costly large contracts, smaller vessels with limited armament options provide emerging nations with affordable solutions,” summarizes Malizard. This trend is driving Naval Group to expand its offerings to include naval drones.
**Concessions for Competitive Advantage**
The success of these submarines in international markets can be attributed to their cutting-edge technology. These vessels boast some of the most efficient engines regarding autonomy and are among the quietest globally, making them nearly invisible to detection. However, the approach to securing sales is equally important. Since François Hollande’s presidency, French Defense Ministers have acted as high-profile sales representatives during international trips, a strategy that has proven successful, particularly with the Rafale fighter jets.
To close deals, Naval Group is willing to make certain concessions. For instance, the Dutch contract requires that a substantial portion of the submarine’s construction occurs in the Netherlands, which helps reduce costs. “As we did with Brazil, which acquired four Scorpène submarines, technology transfers are facilitated for local production,” confirms Muriel Lenglin. In Brazil, Naval Group has forged a partnership with a shipyard in Itaguai, ensuring collaboration and local expertise in the construction process.