Naval Group, France, and Nibe Limited and its group companies have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen India’s naval shipbuilding capabilities and contribute to the development of the country’s maritime technology ecosystem. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 18, 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation across a range of technological areas related to modern naval technologies, shipbuilding, defence platforms and autonomous systems.
The partnership will cover areas including underwater drones, mine countermeasure vessels and systems, submarine systems and technologies, naval weapon launching systems and their maintenance. The agreement reflects the companies’ shared commitment to supporting India’s self-reliance in naval programmes and advancing indigenous capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Under the MoU, Naval Group and Nibe Group will explore cooperation in areas including underwater drones and their integration onboard submarines, future weapon-ready modular launching systems, mine countermeasure systems and associated engineering capabilities. The collaboration is expected to combine the technological expertise and industrial capabilities of both organisations to address emerging requirements in naval defence.
“This agreement illustrates our shared commitment to develop sovereign, resilient, and future ready naval capabilities in India and exemplifies our commitment to the Special Global Strategic Partnership shared between India and France,” said Marie-Laure Bourgeois, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Naval Group.
Ganesh Nibe, Chairman and Managing Director, Nibe Group, said, “Nibe’s strong expertise in delivering integrated defence solutions that power India’s strategic autonomy, backed by continued investment in the sector will be an asset to the cooperation with Naval Group in order to provide latest generation of naval technologies for the country.”
Naval Group has been present in India for more than a decade and has developed an extensive network of industrial partnerships with the Indian naval defence industry. The new partnership with Nibe Group builds on this long-standing engagement and aims to leverage the complementary experience and capabilities of both companies in support of the Indian Navy.
As an international naval defence player, Naval Group develops solutions for countries seeking to maintain maritime sovereignty. Its capabilities cover the complete lifecycle of naval vessels, from design and production to equipment, integration, support, upgrades and eventual deconstruction and dismantling. The group develops submarines, surface ships and related systems and equipment, while also providing shipyard and naval base services. Its expertise includes autonomous systems, underwater weapons and drones, as well as strategic technology partnerships and technology transfer.
Nibe Limited and its group companies are an Indian industrial and defence-focused group with interests spanning defence manufacturing, aerospace, naval systems, defence electronics, space technology and renewable energy. Led by Ganesh Nibe, the group supports India’s indigenous defence manufacturing objectives through the development and production of critical defence systems.
Its portfolio includes missile launchers, weapon platforms, ammunition components, counter-UAS systems, military electronics, surveillance solutions and specialised defence structures, alongside components and systems for artillery, armoured vehicles, missile programmes and naval platforms. Through its subsidiaries and business divisions, Nibe Group has also expanded into satellite manufacturing, earth observation solutions and bio-energy projects.
