European navies increase defense spending on warships and drones

European governments are accelerating efforts to bolster naval capabilities, focusing on warships, missile systems, and maritime drones. At the Euronaval defense exhibition near Paris, industry leaders showcased technologies designed to address rising threats, including Russian aggression, attacks on undersea infrastructure, and the targeting of commercial shipping.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin announced a new initiative to foster a national ecosystem of drone manufacturers. This pact aims to align the needs of the armed forces with industry capabilities to rapidly develop equipment tailored for naval requirements. Key applications for these unmanned platforms include mine removal, oceanographic data collection, and seabed monitoring to protect critical undersea cables and pipelines.

Specific procurement plans include the acquisition of a second Deep Sea ROV from LD Travocean, capable of diving to 6,000 meters, and eight A18 countermine robots from Exail. The Euronaval exhibition saw a 45 percent increase in exhibitors compared to the previous edition, reflecting a significant surge in the global military shipbuilding market.