French maritime group cooperates with Nibe Ltd. on the development of underwater drones and mine countermeasures

The partnership is aimed at enhancing indigenous capabilities in advanced maritime technologies and promoting India’s self-reliance in maritime programs under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Photo credit: X/@navalgroup_IN

French naval major Naval Group and Indian defense company Nibe Limited, along with their group companies, on Friday (September 18, 2026) signed a strategic memorandum of cooperation on cutting-edge technology solutions for naval shipbuilding, defense platforms and autonomous systems in India.

A statement from the naval group said the agreement provides a framework for cooperation in various areas, including underwater drones, their integration aboard submarines, vessels and anti-mine systems, underwater submarine technology, naval weapon launch systems and maintenance.

The partnership is aimed at enhancing indigenous capabilities in advanced maritime technologies and promoting India’s self-reliance in maritime programs under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Under the MoU, the two companies will leverage their expertise to work on underwater autonomous systems, future weapon-ready modular launch systems, mine countermeasures systems and related engineering capabilities.

“This agreement illustrates our shared commitment to developing sovereign, resilient and future-ready naval capabilities in India and exemplifies our commitment to the special global strategic partnership shared between India and France,” said Marie-Laure Bourgeois, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Naval Group.

Nibe Group CMD Ganesh Nibe said the company’s expertise and continued investment will bring next-generation naval technologies to India with Naval Group’s support.

Published – 18 Sep 2026 22:51 IST