The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied-research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has signed an agreement with Naval Group, a global leader in naval defense, to advance cooperation in autonomous underwater technologies.
The agreement was signed on 3rd November 2026 on the sidelines of Euronaval 2026 taking place taking place in Paris Nord Villepinte from 3-6 November,
The collaboration will focus on exploring opportunities for the joint development and commercialization of uncrewed underwater vehicles. The ambition is to deliver advanced autonomous solutions for persistent maritime surveillance and underwater reconnaissance for operations in non-contested waters, in addition to the ambition of delivering combat UUV for operations in contested waters.
A key area of cooperation will be the complementary capabilities of TII’s extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV) and Naval Group’s extensive experience in unmanned combat underwater capabilities.
By combining their respective technological strengths, TII and Naval Group aim to explore solutions that address evolving maritime operational requirements, while supporting the development of autonomous underwater capabilities in the United Arab Emirates.
“Building on the close and longstanding relationship between Naval Group and the UAE, this partnership with TII reflects our shared ambition to foster innovation and develop cutting-edge autonomous underwater capabilities. These capabilities will be essential in addressing the evolving maritime security challenges for the country,” said Aurore Neuschwander, Executive Vice President Drones, Autonomous & Underwater Weapons Systems at Naval Group
“Autonomous underwater technologies are becoming central to the future of maritime operations. At TII, we have built a strong research base in underwater autonomy and systems that can operate reliably in complex environments. Our collaboration with Naval Group brings together complementary strengths in research and naval engineering, creating opportunities to accelerate technology from laboratory capability to deployed system,” said Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer at TII
The agreement provides the framework for the two organizations to translate complementary expertise into capability that supports the UAE’s growing role in advanced maritime technology and strengthen cooperation with France’s naval industrial base.
As an international naval defence player, Naval Group is a partner for countries seeking to maintain control of their maritime sovereignty. Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. The group is present throughout the entire life cycle of vessels. It designs, produces, equips, integrates, supports and upgrades submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, right up to the final phases of deconstruction and dismantling.
Naval Group’s unique know-how in autonomous systems, underwater weapons and drones place it in pole position to become European leader in the sector. As a high-tech company, it draws on its expertise, unique design and production resources and ability to establish strategic partnerships, in particular within the framework of transfers of technology. It also provides shipyard and naval base services.
Ever mindful of the issues concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naval Group is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. Located on five continents, the group generates revenue of 4.679 billion euros and has 17,170 employees (Full-Time Equivalent average annual workforce - figures as on 31 December 2025).
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 9 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, and renewable and sustainable energy.
By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.
