# France starts naval drone industry pact, Defense News reports The initiative aims to develop French drone makers able to produce equipment quickly for naval requirements, Defense News reports. Published 2026-11-03 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/11/03/france-starts-naval-drone-industry-pact-defense-news-reports/ France is starting a pact with its defense industry to build a national network of drone makers around the navy’s requirements, Defense News reported.[1] Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin announced the initiative on Nov. 3 at the Euronaval defense trade show.[1] **Also announced** - Defense News reports that French officials announced the purchase of a second ROV Deep Sea drone from LD Travocean, capable of diving to 6,000 meters.[1] - France also plans to acquire eight A18 countermine robots from Exail, multi-sensor underwater drones that find and characterize sea mines before their removal.[1] - The French Navy will buy a second unmanned combat underwater vehicle from Naval Group, following a first test vehicle, a ministry spokesman told Defense News.[1] ## Why it matters Defense News reports that the ministry sees potential uses for the framework in mine removal, hydrographic and oceanographic data collection, and deep-sea exploration.[1] ## Sources 1. French defense minister kicks off 'pact' with industry in rush to field naval drones, Defense News, Nov. 3, 2026