TechnicAtome has selected ECA Group to produce electrical systems for the French Navy’s third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) programme.
The latest contract has been awarded after a year-long competitive process, which also involved the participation of other manufacturers for the mobilisation of TechnicAtome’s teams.
ECA Group is already working as one of the companies on TechnicAtome’s equipment suppliers panel for power electronics.
TechnicAtome deputy managing director Olivier Huet said: “I am delighted with this partnership with ECA Group, which proposed an innovative technological solution for our future on-board power plants on SNLE 3G.
“TechnicAtome has forged solid, close links with its equipment suppliers; I am looking forward to this long-term partnership with ECA.”
The latest deal signifies that the SSBN programme, also called SNLE 3G, has moved to the next implementation phase.
Launched in February last year, France’s SNLE 3G programme involves production of four submarines, with delivery expected to start in 2035.
Prime contractor for this programme is Naval Group, which is being supported by over 200 French defence industry partners for the production of equipment and systems for the submarines.
Once constructed, the new submarines will gradually replace the French Navy’s second-generation SSBN that are expected to retire between 2030 and 2040.
The ECA-TechnicAtome partnership is also part of a wider project, including ECA’s innovative solutions offered for the 3G submarines’ nuclear plant, designed by TechnicAtome.
ECA Group CEO Dominique Giannoni said: “This is the beginning of a long partnership. We will provide power conversion solutions adapted to a demanding and constrained environment.”
