iXblue to supply navigation systems for Gowind-class vessels

iXblue has secured a contract from defence contractor Naval Group to supply navigation systems for two Gowind corvettes.

The ships, intended for the international market, will be equipped with Marins navigation systems and Netans data distribution and processing units.

The latest contract further bolsters iXblue’s collaboration with Naval Group. France-based Naval Group has used iXblue’s navigation solutions for several local and export programmes.

iXblue Navigation Division director Benoît Kerouanton said: “We’re delighted with Naval Group’s renewed confidence in our navigation solutions for a key export programme such as the Gowinds.

“Each of the two corvettes will be equipped with two Marins navigation systems and two Netans data distribution and processing units and will thus benefit from extremely reliable, efficient and secure navigational information, whatever the environment, even when GNSS signals are unavailable, jammed or spoofed.”

With more than 650 employees, iXblue focuses on delivering advanced autonomous, marine and photonics technologies.

The company’s navigation solutions, based on fibre-optic gyroscope (FOG) technology, are fitted on more than 650 surface ships and underwater platforms.

The technology was selected for the French Navy’s future FDI, the new Astute-class nuclear attack submarines and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers of the UK Royal Navy.

The F122 (Bremen-class) and F123 frigates (Brandenburg-class) of the German Navy, and the new OPV 87 of the Argentine Navy, are also equipped with iXblue navigation solutions.

Last month, the company secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 172 Quadrans gyrocompasses.