France's Ministry of Armed Forces has initiated development of a large-scale unmanned combat underwater vehicle (UCUV) through a contract signed with Naval Group. The operational prototype resulting from this project is scheduled to begin sea trials in 2028. The system is designed to demonstrate extended operational endurance and autonomous decision-making capabilities.

Naval Group previously developed a 10-ton prototype capable of ocean-going missions using its own funding prior to this project launch. The company's prior work in this field enables rapid evaluation of technologies required for the UCUV program. In January 2024, France ordered a technology prototype based on the earlier design, with testing focused on energy autonomy, sensor integration, and autonomous operational capabilities.

The new prototype is planned to be transportable by air and deployable from either a pier or surface platform. The vehicle will feature a controlled autonomous decision-making system, enabling the platform to adapt to tactical situations, environmental conditions, and potential system failures. The system will be capable of making decisions independently or in coordination with other systems.

The French Navy aims to strengthen its presence across the nation's extensive maritime zones with this platform. France possesses approximately 11 million square kilometers of exclusive economic zone, ranking second globally after the United States. These maritime areas, spanning the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, create a requirement for extended-duration and autonomous underwater systems.

Large-scale unmanned underwater vehicle development efforts are accelerating across multiple nations. The U.S. Navy is developing the Orca unmanned underwater vehicle with Boeing, while the United Kingdom recently conducted its first heavy torpedo firing from an extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle. Australia announced in September its acquisition of a fleet of Ghost Shark extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles developed by Anduril for approximately 1.7 billion Australian dollars. Turkey is also advancing work in this field; STM introduced its TENGIZ extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV), developed with indigenous funding, at SAHA 2026 in May 2026. The platform, measuring 11.2 meters in length with 17.8 tons displacement, is designed to operate at depths exceeding 400 meters and achieve operational endurance exceeding 20 days.