DCNS is a major player in the European and world markets for value-added naval defence systems. As a naval prime contractor, shipbuilder and systems integrator, DCNS combines resources and expertise spanning the naval defence value chain and entire system lifecycles. DCNS delivers innovative solutions from integrated warships to strategic systems, equipment, services and new energy solutions.
In addition, DCNS has consistently demonstrated that it can be a key partner for navies to expand also their operational capabilities. The Group has a real tradition of transfer of technology ad has developed a technology transfer methodology based on the progressive transfer of skills and know-how in conjunction with the phased expansion of local industrial capabilities.
DCNS is fully aware that navies shopping on the international market are focusing increasingly on contractors with proven expertise in technology transfers. From Brazil to Singapore, from India to Norway, DCNS has sold warships and naval systems to some 30 countries over the last few decades. The Group has acquired considerable experience in international sales and technology transfer programmes. DCNS is also aware, however, that continuing success in this demanding field hinges on the success of each phase of each programme. This explains the rigorous organisation and methods adopted by DCNS to ensure that each technology transfer programme is well managed.
At the end of 2008, the Brazilian Navy has entrusted DCNS with the design and construction of four conventional-propulsion submarines under a technology transfer agreement, the technical assistance for the design and construction of the non-nuclear part of the first Brazilian nuclear-powered submarine, and the support services for the construction of a naval base and a shipyard in Brazil. This project is a testimony of the DCNS commitment for long-term cooperation with local contractors, in Brazil and throughout South America.
The DCNS stand showcases:
Submarines
- DCNS expertise in submarine design and construction, through the Scorpene medium-size submarines. Already chosen by the Brazilian Navy and other first rank navies, Scorpene submarines represents the state-of-the-art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Excellent endurance makes the Scorpene one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties. The modular design can also be readily tailored to each customer’s specific mission profiles and other requirements.
- The Andrasta, a compact submarine designed to operate in coastal waters, a theatre of growing importance to all maritime nations. Being also a fearsome adversary in deep water, Andrasta combines a state-of-the-art design with stealth, agility and power. A direct descendant of the Scorpene, the Andrasta is remarkably effective in any underwater role that a client navy may wish to assign to it.
Combat Systems
- DCNS has over 40 years of experience in design, development and integration of combat systems for international navies. DCNS expertise in combat systems includes a committed staff of 1200 people, mainly composed of specialized engineers, combined with high technology and wide industrial capabilities. To respond to today’s naval defence needs, DCNS offers fully integrated combat systems solutions for new and modernization programmes and for any type of submarines such as SSK, SSN or SSBN and surface vessels from Offshore Patrol Vessel to aircraft carrier. Thanks to a widely recognized NATO expertise and a steady involvement in interoperability standard workshops, DCNS’s SUBTICS®, POLARIS and SETIS combat systems, respectively dedicated to submarines and surface ships, can efficiently operate with other systems within a national or joint task force.
- SUBTICS combines long-range capabilities in all navigation conditions with powerful weapons (torpedoes, anti-ship missile, counter-measures, land-attack capability). As a fully-integrated system, all functions are operated from MultiFunction Common Consoles and its open architecture and modularity guarantee that the system can be adapted to every type of submarines and configured according to operational requirements. It can also be upgraded during its lifetime to fulfil new missions and keep its operational superiority.
- SETIS manages ant-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare and is designed to perform intelligence gathering, land attack and special operations. SETIS can be fitted on all types of surface ships with heavy weapon capabilities to meet evolving navies requirements such as: to defend vital interest, to guarantee homeland security, to resolve conflict and crisis and to ensure naval superiority.
- Latest member of the DCNS’ Combat System Family, POLARIS is a compact solution designed to fulfil navy needs for surveillance, littoral to EEZ zone protection missions. The system is well adapted to be installed on OPVs, FAC, FPBs, LHDs. POLARIS is intended for missions such as: coastal patrol, intelligence, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, unit protection.
Surface combatants
- The FREMM multi-mission frigates programme combines the latest technologies developed by the DCNS group. These technological and engineering advances make the FREMM frigates world leaders in their class. France’s total order is 11 vessels and the delivery is scheduled from 2012 to 2022. In addition, one FREMM frigate is currently under construction for Morocco and Italy confirmed the order of 6 units.
- DCNS has been working on definition studies for ‘PA2’, a second aircraft carrier for the French Navy, since 2003. The aim is to ensure the continuous availability at all times, to France and to Europe, of a key power projection capability, air/sea dominance and deep strike missions. The need for a constantly operational carrier-based air wing was confirmed in the 2008 white paper on defence and national security. The French government has put off its final decision concerning this programme until 2012.
- The projection and command ship or Mistral LHD is a multipurpose surface vessel designed to cover a broad spectrum of missions, including amphibious operations, crisis management, airborne operations, operational command, operational transport, healthcare support, humanitarian operations and freight transport. The operational capability and interoperability of the Mistral LHD were demonstrated in Operation Baliste off Lebanon and on sea trials with the US Navy (involving the LCAC and Super Stallion).
- The BRAVE support vessel is DCNS’s response to emerging logistic support needs identified by many navies. BRAVE support vessels are ideal for the underway replenishment of all types of products (dry cargo, fuel & other liquids and munitions), to provide logistic support for naval forces and to store and deliver all types of payloads, including dangerous substances.
Submarines’ systems
- The Contralto-S torpedo countermeasures suite for submarines is designed to defeat latest-generation torpedoes. It uses acoustic decoys and is based on the ‘confusion/dilution’ principle. Contralto-S® is designed for all types of submarines (i.e. SSKs, SSNs and SSBNs) and can be incorporated into new-build designs or added to existing boats as part of a refit or modernisation programme. Customers to date include the French Navy’s SSBN and SSN fleets under the Nemesis programme and the Brazilian Navy for its new class of SSKs.
- The F21 heavyweight torpedo will replace the French Navy’s current-generation F17 mod2 torpedo carried by its SSBN fleet and has also been selected for the next-generation Barracuda-type SSN fleet. The F21 is being developed in response to new and emerging operational challenges to offer the host submarine unrivalled dominance. Its discretion, range and fire power will give it an unrivalled tactical advantage over all adversaries. The new torpedo is designed to knock out enemy surface vessels and submarines.
Services
- Last but not least, DCNS offers a wide range of support services during the entire lifecycle of both surface ships and submarines. These services stretch from the simplest order of spare parts to the through-life support of complete fleet. On top of current support operations, DCNS can carry out modernisation and life extension programmes to maintain fleet availability at optimal cost. DCNS also offers a complete set of courses and solutions designed to train all levels of naval and industrial personnel, from the start of a project through decommissioning and/or dismantling. Finally, DCNS proposes services in naval bases and shipyards from the Design, Engineering, Construction, Operation to the maintenance of these infrastructures. This global offer is designed to help navies to maintain and expand their self-sufficiency within technology transfer programmes.
DCNS is a world leader in naval defence and an innovative player in energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how and unique industrial resources. DCNS designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines and mission-critical systems and equipment incorporating the most advanced technologies. It also proposes services for naval shipyards and bases.
The Group employs 12,000 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR 2.4 billion.
