Safran Electronics & Defense has been selected by France’s Direction générale de l’armement for three inertial-navigation programmes covering the country’s nuclear submarines, M51 missiles and Rafale fighters. The systems will use Safran’s hemispherical resonator gyroscope technology, designed and produced in France. For the Rafale, it is planned for a majority of aircraft in the fifth production batch, in the F4 standard. The contract value and delivery schedule have not been disclosed.
Safran’s technology will also equip France’s next-generation nuclear submarines and the M51 missile programme. On the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, a Safran navigation unit serves as a reference for aligning Rafale navigation systems at sea before missions.
The selection comes as Safran expands French production capacity for the gyroscopes. The company invested €120 million in its industrial capabilities in 2026 and aims to increase annual HRG output from 10,000 units to 30,000 by 2032. Safran has supplied technology for France’s nuclear deterrent for more than 50 years.