Naval Group and the Portuguese research unit LASIGE from the Faculty of Sciences of Lisbon’s University have signed a Partnership Cooperation Agreement under the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future collaboration in the field of Research and Development (R&D) in the naval and defense fields.

This agreement has been signed onboard Naval Group’s FDI frigate during its port-of-call in Lisbon on November 6th, 2025, in presence of Alysson Bessani, Professor at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and Director of the LASIGE research unit, and Guillaume Weisrock, Naval Group’s SVP for Sales and Business Development in Europe and North America.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the complementary expertise of both organizations to support innovation in the maritime and defense sectors, and sets a formal framework for cooperation on topics of mutual interest related to the digital transformation of naval systems: intelligent systems for naval applications, computer vision for naval applications, simulation frameworks for naval digital systems, smart energy systems applicable to the naval environment, human-machine interfaces and human factors related to the digitisation of naval systems, digital systems related to drones, cybersecurity of naval systems and sensors.

With this agreement, Naval Group aims to foster joint innovation in support of future naval capabilities with the academic and research community in Portugal.

“The agreement reflects our shared ambition to drive innovation through cooperation. LASIGE’s expertise and close connection with the Portuguese Navy make them a natural partner for Research & Development as we deepen our engagement in Portugal,” said Guillaume Weisrock.

”LASIGE’s commitment to rigorous research with high scientific and societal impact requires collaboration with key players in industry and government. We see Naval Group as a strategic partner for future R&D projects in defense technologies, which has become increasingly critical for Europe’s security and technological sovereignty,” stated Alysson Bessani.

LASIGE has a recognized expertise in the fields of computer science and engineering, and as a trusted stakeholder of the Portuguese Navy, is a valuable partner well-positioned to contribute to cutting-edge research and development efforts in collaboration with Naval Group.

Naval Group brings decades of experience in the design, construction and integration of advanced naval platforms and systems, and has several research projects that could be of interest to LASIGE.

This MoU is part of Naval Group’s broader ambition and dynamic that benefits the Portuguese DTIB and academic centres, should the Portuguese Navy choose the FDI frigate to renew its frigate fleet. With a strong industrial base and a long-standing tradition of delivering high-end solutions to navies worldwide, Naval Group is committed to strengthening its presence in Portugal, establishing industrial and research partnerships that will create value for the Portuguese defense and maritime sectors, supporting the Portuguese Navy’s evolving needs.

There are real complementarities between Naval Group and the Portuguese defense industry and research centres, that could lead to joint achievements strengthening innovative defence capabilities in the European Union.

The collaboration with the Portuguese industry goes back a long way; since 2019, Naval Group has been collaborating with 16 Portuguese companies on 15 European projects, promoting the integration of the national industry into high-value international initiatives. More recently, on October 22nd, Naval Group and AED Cluster Portugal have hosted an Industry Day in Lisbon to strengthen industrial and technological cooperation in defense, and met with more than 45 companies, industrials and academic institutes to participate in the supply chain associated with the FDI frigate program, as well as other areas such as advanced engineering, naval digitalization, and systems integration.

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.

Naval Group 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 outstanding 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 4.355 billion euros and has 16,722 employees (Full-Time Equivalent average annual workforce - figures as on 31 December 2024).