Safran wins three defense contracts

Safran Electronics & Defense announced on November 2, 2026, that it had been chosen for three inertial navigation programs tied to France’s nuclear deterrence. These programs involve nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLE), the M51 missile, and the Rafale fighter jet.

Navigation systems for submarines

The first contract involves the Global Navigation System (SGN) for the third-generation SNLE. This system allows for long autonomous navigation without recalibration using satellite signals. Submerged submarines cannot access satellites and must determine their position independently until launching missiles.

Upgrades for M51 missiles

Safran already designs the inertial guidance system for the current M51 missile. For the M51.4 version, it will develop a new system called CI4, using a dual-core hemispherical resonant gyroscope (HRG). This will offer improved precision in a smaller size compared to existing equipment.

Rafale aircraft integration

The same dual-core HRG technology will be used in most Rafale aircraft in the fifth production batch, at the F4 standard. The press release does not specify how many aircraft will be equipped with this system.

Advanced HRG technology

The HRG, designed and made in France, is described by Safran as the most advanced inertial sensor in the world. The company invested 120 million euros in 2026 to enhance its industrial capabilities, aiming to increase HRG production from 10,000 units per year to 30,000 by 2032.

Long-term collaboration with France

Safran highlighted its over fifty-year partnership with France’s nuclear deterrence. It cited a recent test firing of a M51.3 missile off the coast of Finistère, conducted in the presence of the French president, as a demonstration of this collaboration.

Equipment used in the test

During the test, several Safran systems were used, including the SGN-3EV navigation system and a high-precision clock called BELUGA aboard the submarine. Inside the missile, an inertial guidance system provided navigation, while radar transponders and a receiver tracked the missile’s path.

Leadership and company background

Franck Saudo, president of Safran Electronics & Defense, credited the company’s success to its teams and its 58 industrial and technological sites, including the Montluçon-Domérat facility for HRG production. Safran Electronics & Defense employs 19,000 people and is part of the larger Safran group, which has over 110,000 employees and reported revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025.