Three teams selected for French Navy's armed USV programme

France's Defence Innovation Agency and navy selected three teams to develop larger armed uncrewed surface vessel prototypes under DANAE, announced on October 8, 2026. The finalists are SeaOwl, the SEAir-led Orcas consortium comprising Ægir, MBDA and Diades Marine, and the Sirehna-Couach-Naval Group team. Their approaches respectively include an optionally crewed patrol craft, a hydrofoil-equipped vessel suitable for frigate embarkation, and a modular nine-metre USV designed for uncrewed operation. The teams have 12 months to refine their prototypes before evaluation, with final selection expected by the end of 2027; port protection and escort missions will retain human authority over weapon use.