Thales Leads French Consortium Delivering Resilient Navigation Upgrades for the Navy’s Amphibious Helicopter Carriers

(IN BRIEF) Thales, together with CNN MCO and CS GROUP, has equipped the French Navy’s amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral with a new TopAxyz inertial navigation system as part of a broader modernisation effort under the Navy’s maintenance in operational condition (MCO) programme. The French-built consortium is delivering highly resilient navigation capabilities designed to perform in contested electronic warfare environments where GPS signals may be jammed or spoofed. The upgrade forms part of an eight-year fleet support contract covering all onboard systems across the Mistral, Tonnerre and Dixmude, as well as support for the Somme replenishment vessel. With more than 40 modernisation studies in progress and 50 upgrades delivered so far, the project strengthens the autonomy, precision and resilience of the Navy’s navigation systems, with rollout aligned to scheduled vessel maintenance through 2027.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBAI, 24-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales, together with CNN MCO and CS GROUP, has taken a significant step forward in strengthening the French Navy’s operational capabilities by equipping its amphibious helicopter carriers (AHC) with a new, highly resilient inertial navigation system designed for the most demanding electronic warfare environments. Forming a 100% French and sovereign industrial consortium, the three companies are supporting the Navy’s ongoing programme for the maintenance in operational condition (MCO) of its fleet.

Following a series of successful tests validating the effectiveness of the selected solution, the first system has now been fully deployed aboard the Mistral during its technical maintenance period at the Toulon naval base. The French Navy’s Fleet Support Service (SSF) is leading the initiative to modernise navigation capabilities across the PHA-class vessels, with CNN MCO — the fleet support contract holder under an eight-year agreement awarded in 2022 — responsible for executing the upgrades. The contract covers all onboard systems across the Mistral, Tonnerre, and Dixmude, as well as in-service support for the Somme BCR-type command and replenishment vessel, ensuring these platforms remain available and fully operational in an increasingly complex maritime environment.

The modernisation plan also includes over 40 upgrade studies aimed at addressing the obsolescence of critical systems. Conducted across multiple vessels, these studies have already resulted in 50 completed upgrades within the first two years. CNN MCO coordinates all phases with the SSF — from early design studies through to shipboard integration — to ensure seamless execution.

Autonomous and resilient navigation for new threat environments

In an era marked by hybrid conflicts and the growing threat of radionavigation jamming, the French Navy is reinforcing the autonomy and resilience of its navigation systems. Central to this upgrade is the TopAxyz inertial navigation system, developed by Thales, which operates using internally controlled data alone. By relying on shipboard sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, TopAxyz continuously calculates a vessel’s position, speed and heading without any need for external signals such as GPS. Enhanced with spoofing and jamming detection, the system provides precise, discreet navigation even in sensitive or contested areas.

Drawing on more than 40 years of expertise and over 50 million hours of operational use across land, air, sea and space applications, Thales’s inertial navigation technology is widely recognised for its robustness and reliability.

A fully integrated navigation chain

Within the consortium, CS GROUP, a subsidiary of Sopra Steria, brings extensive expertise in navigation system integration. Thales’s inertial units will be embedded into CS GROUP’s global navigation system, which forms the central nervous system of a warship — ensuring accuracy, manoeuvring safety and continuity of service in all operational scenarios. With more than 15 years of experience, CS GROUP specialises in integrating navigation sensors, developing cyber-secure data distribution systems, and producing rugged embedded solutions capable of withstanding extreme maritime environments.

CNN MCO, responsible for the physical integration of the systems aboard the vessels, is carrying out installation work in compliance with stringent naval safety standards. To date, nearly 1,500 hours of engineering have been invested by its design office in collaboration with Thales and CS GROUP.

Rollout aligned with vessel maintenance schedules

Installation of the new systems will follow the SSF’s maintenance planning through to 2027. With the Mistral now fully equipped, the Dixmude and Tonnerre will follow. Once integrated by CS GROUP into the navigation modules, the systems will be installed by CNN MCO across the three vessels with progressive ramp-up.

CNN MCO will oversee integration, testing and maintenance, working closely with SSF teams to optimise installation windows and sustain high operational availability.

Céline Barazer, Deputy Director of CNN MCO, stated:
“This programme confirms CNN MCO’s ability to carry out complex upgrades in shipboard environments. We’re proud to contribute to the modernisation of sensitive equipment on these vessels as part of an all-French initiative, working with the SSF, Thales and CS GROUP.”

Florent Chauvancy, Vice-President, Flight Avionics, Thales, added:
“With 40 years of experience in inertial navigation systems for aircraft, space launchers, air defence systems and artillery, Thales is now bringing this know-how to naval operations. We’re proud to help provide resilient navigation solutions for France’s naval vessels, ensuring freedom of action for armed forces at sea.”

Frédéric Dussart, Director of Defence & Security Activities, CS GROUP, said:
“By contributing alongside CNN MCO and Thales to a 100% French solution, we reaffirm the importance of sovereign expertise serving the French Navy. CS GROUP is proud to support fleet performance, safety and the coherent, resilient integration of the navigation chain.”

For more information, visit www.tii.ae

Press contacts:

Equans France: Léa Truchetto – +33 (0)6 03 18 42 67 – truchetto@droitdevant.fr

Thales: Camille Heck – +33 (0)6 73 78 33 63 – camille.heck@thalesgroup.com

CS Group – Sopra Steria:

Laura Bandiera,laura.bandiera@soprasteria.com , +33 (0)6 85 74 05 01 / Aurélien Flaugnatti,aurelien.flaugnatti@soprasteria.com, +33 (0)6 30 84 75 81

About CNN MCO

Founded in 2005, when in-service support contracts for French Navy vessels were first opened to competition, CNN MCO has continually expanded its know-how in the management, maintenance and in-service support of all types of naval platforms. Drawing on an extensive network of national and international expertise, this Equans France company — which this year celebrates its 20^th anniversary — supports all players in the maritime sector, including the French Navy, the naval forces of other nations and civilian and state-owned ship operators. As its customer base has grown, CNN MCO has expanded its network of local facilities to serve vessels as close as possible to their home ports. In addition to its sites in Brest and Toulon, the company has built up a strong presence across France’s overseas territories, including Réunion, French Guiana, Martinique, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

https://www.cnn-mco.fr/en/

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About CS Group

As a designer, integrator and operator of critical systems, CS GROUP, a subsidiary of the Sopra Steria Group, operates in demanding markets including defence and security, space, aerospace, energy and cybersecurity. With 3,000 employees combining deep technical expertise and industry knowledge, CS GROUP is a trusted partner to its clients for the integration and deployment of operational systems that ensure the control and safety of their missions.

About Sopra Steria

Sopra Steria, a major Tech player in Europe with 50,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, is recognised for its consulting, digital services and solutions. It helps its clients drive their digital transformation and obtain tangible and sustainable benefits. The Group provides end-to-end solutions to make large companies and organisations more competitive by combining in-depth knowledge of a wide range of business sectors and innovative technologies with a collaborative approach. Sopra Steria places people at the heart of everything it does and is committed to putting digital to work for its clients in order to build a positive future for all. In 2024, the Group generated revenues of €5.8 billion.
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Sopra Steria (SOP) is listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment A) – ISIN: FR0000050809 For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com

SOURCE: Thales

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