Naval Group

DCNS S.A.

Company type	société anonyme
Industry	Defence
Founded	1631
Founder	Cardinal de Richelieu
Headquarters	Paris, France
Area served	Naval Defence Industry
Products	Patrol Vessels, Corvettes, Frigates, Destroyers, LHD, Aircraft Carriers, Submarines (SSK, SSN, SSBN)
Revenue	€ 2.6 billion in 2011 profit: € 198 million in 2011
Owner	APE: 73,98% Thales: 25% FCPE Actions DCNS: 1,01% DCNS Actionnariat: <0,01%
Number of employees	13,000 worldwide
Website	http://www.dcnsgroup.com

DCNS S.A. (formerly the Direction des Constructions Navales - DCN) is a naval defence company based in France and is one of Europe's leading shipbuilders.

The group designs, builds and supports surface combatants, submarines, systems and equipment. DCNS is also expanding into new markets in civil nuclear energy, marine renewable energy and naval and industrial services.

History

DCNS has a heritage of 350 years. Major shipyards were built in France in Ruelle (1751), Nantes-Indret (1771), Lorient (1778) and, subsequently, in Cherbourg (1813). Others were to follow. As early as 1926, what we know as DCNS today already had all the facilities now owned by the Group in mainland France.

The birth of the naval dockyards

In 1624, Cardinal de Richelieu, who was Louis XIII’s Prime Minister at the time, devised a naval policy that provided for the development of the dockyards in order to give France sufficient maritime power to rival that of Great Britain. This policy was implemented from 1631, with the creation of the Ponant fleet in the Atlantic and the Levant fleet in the Mediterranean, the Brest dockyards and the extension of the Toulon dockyards, created under Henri IV.

The policy was continued by Colbert, Louis XIV’s Navy Minister, who developed several major dockyards. He extended the dockyards in Toulon, ordered the excavation of the docks in Brest and founded the Rochefort dockyards. His son, Seignelay, who succeeded him in 1683, followed in his footsteps.

The French Royal Navy’s network of dockyards was further strengthened in the 18th century. In 1750, the Marquis de Montalembert converted a former paper mill into a forge producing cannons at Ruelle-sur-Touvre. In 1777, Antoine de Sartine, Louis XVI’s Navy Minister, opened a cannon foundry near the naval shipyards in Indret. In the same year, work started on the development of the port in Cherbourg, which was completed in 1813. In 1778, the Lorient naval dockyards succeeded “La Compagnie des Indes du port de L’Orient”.

The naval dockyards in Rochefort were closed in 1926. In 1937, the establishment in Saint-Tropez was opened on the former site of the company Schneider, which specialised in torpedoes. By this time, most of the DCNS’ French sites already existed, and they have not changed since then.

Industrialisation and technical innovations

During the 19th century, the naval dockyards underwent a transformation as the fleet of sailing ships was replaced by motorised vessels. The sites were industrialised and gradually specialised. In 1865, the naval dockyards in Brest became exclusively military, with the closure of the Penfeld port to commercial vessels. In 1898, after specialising in the building of vessels with propellers rather than sails, the shipyards in Cherbourg were tasked exclusively with the construction of submarines. Finally, in 1927, a decree definitively laid out the missions of the various naval dockyards: Brest and Lorient were tasked with the construction of large vessels, Cherbourg with building submarines, while Toulon, Bizerte and Saigon took charge of the maintenance of the fleet.

This rationalisation of the roles of the naval dockyards was accompanied by technical and military innovations and the production of vessels at a higher pace, against the backdrop of an arms race and colonisation. In 1858, La Gloire, the first ocean-going battleship in the world sailed out of the dockyards in Toulon. The 1860s saw the arrival of the first torpedo boats and military submarines, with the launch of Le Plongeur in 1863. The technical problems experienced by this first-ever motorised submarine meant that it remained a prototype rather than an operational war vessel. But it did open the way for the construction of Le Gymnote in 1886 and Le Narval in 1899, which were the first operational torpedo submarines in history.

The production of heavy surface vessels was also stepped up in the 1910s. Several battleships were built before the start of the First World War, and the fleet was strengthened by the 35,000-ton Le Richelieu in 1939.

Reorganisation of activities

In 1946, a review of the French naval dockyards completed the attributions of the various sites announced in the 1927 decree. Brest was tasked with the production and repair of large vessels, Lorient with the construction of medium-sized vessels, Cherbourg with submarines and Toulon with repairing and maintaining the fleet. Amongst the inland sites, Indret took over the vessel propulsion activities, Ruelle the construction of guns, large parts and electronics, Saint-Tropez the production of torpedoes and Guérigny the construction of naval chains and anchors. Five sites are located overseas: Mers el-Kébir, Bizerte, Dakar, Diego-Suarez and Papeete.

Until 1961, the French navy maintained and repaired its fleet itself, through the “Directions des Constructions et Armes Navales” (DCAN) in the naval dockyards. The engineers working in the DCANs were officers in the French navy’s engineering division. At this time, the dockyards broke away from the Navy, creating the opportunity for the diversification of their activities in the 1970s.

A single DCAN covered all the mainland and overseas naval dockyards, reporting to the “Direction Technique des Constructions Navales” (DTCN). In turn, the DTCN was answerable to the “Délégation Ministérielle pour l’Armement” (DMA), set up by Michel Debré. In 1977, la DMA became the “Délégation Générale de l’Armement” (DGA). The purpose of this reform was to centralise all the armed forces’ design and construction capacities in a single inter-armed forces delegation operating under the government’s authority.

In 1958, the official launch by General de Gaulle of the French military nuclear programme and deterrent policy prompted the restructuring of the defence industry and defence technology.

The Cœlacanthe project brought together the DTCN and the CEA, and in 1971, Le Redoutable, the first French missile-launching nuclear submarine, came into service.

Transformation into a company

The international economic climate and decolonisation in the 1970s lead the DCAN to venture into new markets. The loss of the overseas naval dockyards was compounded by the French Navy’s reduced needs for vessels and the increased difficulty in obtaining funding. This trend gathered more pace after the end of the Cold War, despite the diversification of the DCAN activities, which now included maintaining the electric power network and clearing mines from the coastline. Some sites also specialised in civilian projects: Brest built trucks, Guérigny made agricultural machinery and Toulon produced civilian vessels (yachts, liners).

But, looking beyond the order books, it was the public status of the DCAN that was gradually called into question, and it came to be considered as an administrative obstacle to the development of the potential of France’s naval dockyards.

This transformation occurred in several stages. In 1991, the DCAN was christened the DCN (Direction des Construction Navales). In the same year, DCN International was created. The mission of this PLC was to promote the activities of the DCN on an international scale and to facilitate the export of its products.

In 1992, the DCN’s activities for the state were attached to the Naval Programmes department (SPN), which was the contracting authority for vessels for the French navy. Since then, the DCN has only been responsible for industrial activities, while remaining part of the DGA. This change of status has allowed DCN International to provide the DCN with commercial and legal support in the development of its international trade since the end of the 1990s.

The development strategy pursued by DCN International resulted in the signing of several major contracts. In 1994, three Agosta submarines were delivered to Pakistan, and, in 1997, two Scorpène submarines were built for Chile. A contract was also won in 2000 to supply six Formidable-type frigates to Singapore. In 2007, a contract was signed with Malaysia for two Scorpène submarines, through the subsidiary Armaris.

The DCN has also won contracts in the field of off-shore drilling for oil. In 1997, the Brest site modernised the Sedco 707 platform and now builds SFX type oil rigs.

In 1999, the DCN became an agency with national authority (SCN), reporting directly to the Ministry of Defence. Finally, in 2001, the French government decided to transform the DCN into a fully state-owned private limited company. The change of status came into effect in 2003. The DCN became just DCN, which no longer stood for “Direction des Constructions Navales”.

The development of the DCNS group

In 2007, the group acquired the French naval activities branch of Thales, Armaris, a former subsidiary that was equally shared between DCN and Thales, and MOPA2, the company in charge of the project to build a second aircraft carrier. Thales acquired a 25% stake in the group’s capital, and DCN became DCNS, in which the “S” stood for services. In 2011, Thales increased its share of DCNS' capital to 35%.

The changes in status of DCNS in the 2000s allowed the group to freely expand its civilian activities, which dated back to the post-war years, and to make them a part of its strategy for growth. Consequently, in 2009, DCNS adopted the “Championship” company project, which aimed to position the group as a leading player in naval defence and as an innovator in energy (civilian nuclear energy and renewable marine energies). The 2020+ vision, developed in 2012, promoted the achievement of this ambition. The vision defines the destination to be reached, while the strategy determines the way to get there.

In an effort to boost its performance in order to achieve its ambitions of growth, DCNS is focussing particularly closely on innovation, internationalisation and responsible development.

Innovation. Construction of the stealthy multi-function frigates (FREMM) started in 2007. In 2008, an aerial drone landed on the deck of a frigate at sea for the first time in history. In 2013, the group set up DCNS Research to promote its research activities, in an effort to guarantee the coherence of its R&D.

Internationalisation. The contracts signed with international navies have enabled DCNS to set up for business in the respective countries. DCNS India was founded in 2008, thanks to two contracts signed in 2005 and 2008 for the delivery of six conventional Scorpène submarines. Similarly, in 2013, a submarine construction site was opened in Brazil, under the terms of a contract for the supply of four Scorpène submarines and support for the creation of a naval base. This is DCNS’ biggest single contract on the international stage.

Responsible development. The group created the DCNS University in 2013 to deliver internal and external training. In 2006, it also launched the “Trophée Poséidon” for students and, in 2008, set up the “Les Filières du Talent” programme for professional integration. Every year, DCNS takes new initiatives to promote the training and integration of people in difficulty.

Controversy

Apart from the issues surrounding the sale of ships to Taiwan mentioned above, French prosecutors started investigating a wide range of corruption charges in 2010 involving different submarine sales, with possible bribery and kickbacks to top officials in France. In particular interest by the prosecutors are sales of Scorpène submarines to countries like India and Malaysia. The investigation in Malaysia has been prompted by human rights group Suaram as it involved current Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak when he was defence minister and his friend Abdul Razak Baginda whose company Primekar was alleged to be paid a huge commission during the purchase of two Scorpène submarines. French investigators are interested in the fact that Perimekar was formed only a few months before the contract was signed with the Malaysian government and DCNS and that Primekar had no track record in servicing submarines and did not have the financial capability to support the contract. Investigations have also revealed that a Hong Kong-based company called Terasasi Ltd in which the directors are Razak Baginda and his father, sold classified Malaysian navy defence documents to DCNS. Also under scrutiny are allegations of extortion and the murder of Shaariibuugiin Altantuyaa, a translator who worked on the deal.

Subsidiaries and Offices

DCNS has its head office in Paris, France. It has production and engineering sites in mainland France in Cherbourg, Brest, Lorient, Nantes-Indret, Ruelle, Toulon and Saint-Tropez.

It has subsidiaries in Brazil, Bulgaria, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. DCNS also has offices in Chile, Greece, Italy and Pakistan.

Projects

Frigates

La Fayette class frigates and derivatives

Main article: La Fayette class frigate

• Al Riyahd (F3000S Sawari II) Class Frigates (Saudi Arabia)
• Kang Ding Class Frigates (Taiwan)
• Formidable Class Frigates (Singapore)

Horizon class frigates

Main article: Horizon class frigate

These frigates are designed to provide anti-air cover for carrier groups and local or extended cover against saturation missile attacks in severe electromagnetic environments. They feature anti-air weapons, including tens of Aster missiles in Sylver vertical launchers. The combat system includes a hull-mounted sonar, the SLAT anti-torpedo system, anti-ship missiles, lightweight torpedoes and an electronic warfare suite.

Horizon frigates are designed to accommodate a heavy helicopter (NH90, EH 101 or similar) and to conduct flight operations under a wide range of conditions. The French and Italian navies have ordered two Horizon frigates each.

• Forbin, launched in 2005. The Forbin is the first of the new Horizon anti-air type for the French Navy.
• Chevalier Paul, launched in 2006

FREMM class frigates

Main article: FREMM multipurpose frigate

FREMM is a family of multi-purpose frigates for the French and Italian navies, and export customers.

FM400 class frigates

A 4000-ton frigate design that is offered in four different configurations

• A general-purpose frigate;
• An anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate;
• A land-attack frigate; and
• An anti-air warfare (AAW) frigate.

Gowind class corvettes

Main article: Gowind class corvette

Swordship class Warship

Main article: Swordship class warship

Swordship was a concept ship presented at Euronaval 2006. It combines elements of the Zumwalt class destroyer and the trimaran Littoral Combat Ship in a stealthy tumblehome hull of 5,300 tonnes, with boat and helicopter facilities, a triple-barrelled 155mm gun and 48 VLS cells.

Ecoship

Ecoship was a concept design presented in 2008 incorporating solar panels, air-source heat pumps and a kite sail. Elements were incorporated into Project ESPADON (l'Evaluation de Solutions Potentielles d'Automatisation de Déminage pour les Opérations Navales), studying future minesweepers for the French Navy.

Aircraft carriers

Clemenceau class aircraft carriers

Main article: Clemenceau class aircraft carrier

• Clemenceau, launched in 1957
• Foch, launched in 1960, later to serve with Brazil as São Paulo

Charles De Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier

Main article: French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91)

The Charles de Gaulle, in service since late 2000, carries up to 40 aircraft — including Rafale multi-role combat aircraft and Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft — which can be launched at a rate of one every 30 seconds.

The automated Senit combat management system (CMS) controls all weapon systems, including the ship’s Aster self-defence missiles. The communications suite includes Link 16 tactical datalinks for interoperability with NATO forces.

PA2 (Porte Avions 2) Future Aircraft Carrier

Main article: Future French aircraft carrier

Amphibious ships

Foudre class LPD

Main article: Foudre class landing platform dock

• Foudre, launched in 1988
• Sirroco, launched in 1996

Mistral class amphibious assault ship

Main article: Mistral class amphibious assault ship

The Mistral class is a class of three amphibious assault ships, also known as a helicopter carrier, of the French Navy. Russia has announced its intention to purchase one such vessel.

Submarines

Redoutable class nuclear submarine

Main article: Redoutable class submarine (1967)

The Redoutable class submarine is a ballistic missile submarine class of the French Marine Nationale . The first submarine, Redoutable, was ordered in 1963, built at Cherbourg, launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1971. The sixth, and last, Inflexible was retired in 2008.

Triomphant class submarine

Main article: Triomphant class submarine

A new class of nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines, the largest ever built in France. Four ships make up the class, Triomphant, Téméraire, Vigilant and Terrible.

Rubis class nuclear submarine

Main article: Rubis class submarine

• Rubis (ex-Provence)
• Saphir (ex-Bretagne)
• Casabianca (ex-Bourgogne)
• Émeraude
• Améthyste
• Perle

Barracuda class submarines

Main article: French Barracuda class submarine

The Barracuda program is scheduled to replace the Rubis-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SNA) with six new-generation submarines, providing the French navy with a powerful asset for the control of maritime areas and the projection of naval power. The first Barracuda-class submarine will be delivered in 2017, and the subsequent vessels will be delivered at the rate of one every two years. The six new submarines will be christened Suffren, Duguay-Trouin, Dupetit-Thouars, Duquesne, Tourville and De Grasse.

Agosta & Agosta 90B class diesel submarine

Main article: SSK Agosta 90B

• Agosta (S 620) - completed 1977 - decommissioned 1997
• Bévéziers (S 621) - completed 1977 - decommissioned 1998
• La Praya (S 622) - completed 1978 - decommissioned 2000
• Ouessant (S 623) - completed 1978 - decommissioned 2001

The Agosta 90B, also known as the Khalid Class, is a modernised design built for the Pakistan Navy. Various modifications give lower acoustic signature, lower diving depth, improved battery range and performance. Greater automation also allows the crew to be reduced from 54 to 36. The submarine can be armed with up to 16 torpedoes and SM39 Exocet anti-ship anti-ship missiles. The SM39 was test-fired from a Khalid-class submarine in 2001. - PNS/M Khalid (S137) - built in France by DCN Cherbourg, completed in 1999 - PNS/M Saad (S138) - built in Pakistan with French assistance, completed in 2002 - PNS/M Hamza (S139) - built in Pakistan, commissioned 14 August 2006

Scorpene Class diesel submarine

Main article: Scorpène class submarine

The Chilean Navy ordered two Scorpène. The Chilean Scorpène class O'Higgins and Carrera were completed in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and are currently in operation. The Royal Malaysian Navy ordered two while the Indian Navy ordered six (see the section on #Corruption charges above). All Indian boats will be built in India at Mazagon Dock Limited. In 2009, the Brazilian Navy ordered four Scorpene. A fifth hull has been ordered to be fitted with an indigenously developed nuclear propulsion plant.

Equipped with the MESMA air-independent propulsion system, a Scorpene can remain submerged for periods in excess of 3 weeks. The class has suffered problems, with the Malaysian boats unable to dive.

Andrasta class submarine

Main article: Andrasta class submarine

Suited to special operations or information-gathering assignments. No Andrasta has yet been ordered.

BRAVE

In December 2010, DCNS presented a design for a multipurpose support vessel (and replenishment tanker) called BRAVE, for Bâtiment RAVitailleur d'Escadre.

Other

• Flight deck systems
• Submarine AAW
• Torpedoes L3,L5,F17

Civil Nuclear Engineering

The DCNS is working on the Flexblue reactor concept, which would be a SMR type subsea reactor of 50 to 250 MWe fully based on the reuse of the same technologies as the reactor of nuclear submarines that the DCNS has a long experience building.

The DNCS is also contracting some works on the EPR programs in France and China, and the ITER.

Marine renewable energy

The DCNS has several R&D programs for working on tidal power, offshore floating and offshore fixed wind, ocean thermal energy conversion and wave energy.

See also

• Ship-building
• Navantia

Further reading

• On the corruption scandal involving Taiwan: Jean-Pierre, Thierry (2003). Taïwan connection (in French). Robert Laffont. ISBN 978-2-221-10082-0.