Development of autonomous underwater technologies gained momentum following an agreement signed between Naval Group and the Technology Innovation Institute on November 3, 2026. The announcement took place during Euronaval 2026 in Paris, France. Both parties agreed to pool their technical skills to explore the development and commercialization of uncrewed marine solutions.
The Technology Innovation Institute operates as the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council. Naval Group brings extensive technical knowledge in naval defense and naval systems integration. Together, the entities will evaluate new operational capabilities to support international clients and maritime authorities.
Focus on Autonomous Underwater Technologies
Under the signed framework, autonomous underwater technologies will be examined for diverse deployment profiles. The work focuses on persistent maritime surveillance as well as underwater reconnaissance. Initial operations are planned for non-contested waters to gather critical environmental data and maintain situational awareness.
In addition, the partnership plans to investigate combat uncrewed underwater vehicles, known as UUVs, designed for contested maritime operational settings. These systems incorporate advanced computing and artificial intelligence components to operate without human crews.
Surveillance and Combat Capabilities
A primary element of the initiative connects TII’s extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle, designated as XLUUV, with Naval Group’s combat drone systems. This technical integration allows both teams to evaluate vessel endurance, autonomous decision-making algorithms, and defensive subsea capabilities.
The resulting systems will address requirements in modern maritime environments. These smart devices operate independently in deep-water zones where traditional communications cannot reach, protecting critical naval channels.
“Building on the close and longstanding relationship between Naval Group and the UAE, this partnership with TII reflects our shared ambition to develop autonomous underwater capabilities. These capabilities will be essential in addressing the evolving maritime security challenges for the country.”
Aurore Neuschwander, Executive Vice President Drones, Autonomous & Underwater Weapons Systems at Naval Group
Combining Research and Naval Engineering
The agreement joins academic applied research with defense manufacturing practices. Researchers at TII created platforms designed for reliable performance across harsh operational marine environments. Naval Group provides engineering workflows refined over decades of warship construction.
“Autonomous underwater technologies are becoming central to the future of maritime operations. At TII, we have built a strong research base in underwater autonomy and systems that can operate reliably in complex environments. Our collaboration with Naval Group brings together complementary strengths in research and naval engineering, creating opportunities to accelerate technology from laboratory capability to deployed system.”
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer at TII
Strategic Ties and Maritime Goals
The collaboration supports the United Arab Emirates in expanding its national industrial base and maritime technological capabilities. At the same time, the arrangement connects Abu Dhabi’s scientific sector with France’s established naval production network. Both entities confirmed that joint teams will continue technical assessments to move prototypes toward functional naval operations.
