Naval Group tested the launch and control of a drone from a Rubis-class nuclear submarine of the French Navy (video)
Naval Group is developing a project to deploy and control an unmanned aerial vehicle from a submarine. In May 2023, the final test, called “UAV on submarine,” took place near Toulon.
During the test, the unmanned aerial vehicle was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine of the French Navy. A Rubis-class submarine took part in the tests. The drone was developed by Naval Group.
The drone was launched in a protective cocoon. After reaching the surface, the protective shell opened, and the unmanned aerial vehicle continued to fly. After that, the submarine established communication with it using an antenna, and the operator was able to receive a video stream to the control panel.
The use of a drone will allow the submarine to more effectively conduct surveillance, reconnaissance and reconnaissance missions in the visible and infrared ranges. This was stated by the French Ministry of Defense.
