The French Navy's underwater warfare strategy focuses on two primary goals: protecting critical undersea infrastructure and ensuring freedom of manoeuvre for naval forces. This dual approach encompasses surveillance of subsea pipelines and cables while maintaining the ability to deploy sensors and conduct operations in areas of strategic interest.
The nation aims to achieve operational capability at depths up to 6,000 meters by 2026, which would enable operations in approximately 97% of the world's seabed, particularly crucial in areas like the Atlantic Ocean. France's approach to seabed warfare emphasizes rapid deployment capability, covert operations, and the ability to function in non-permissive environments.
ALSEAMAR supports these requirements through its development of modular systems and specialized acoustic sensors. The company's SeaExplorer platforms enable new concepts in acoustic surveillance, particularly valuable for monitoring vast offshore areas where traditional anti-submarine warfare assets may be impractical.
A company spokesperson told FW MAG that “ALSEAMAR continues to push technological boundaries through ongoing development of advanced acoustic detection systems, enhancement of underwater communication capabilities, and integration of cutting-edge synthetic materials. This commitment to innovation reinforces France's naval superiority and solidifies ALSEAMAR's position as a crucial contributor to national defence capabilities.”
Indeed, the company's SeaExplorer family of underwater gliders represents one of the pinnacles of French underwater technology advancement. The SeaExplorer family consists of several specialized underwater gliders, with the SeaExplorer 1000-M and SeaExplorer Shallow 200 representing the latest developments in autonomous underwater technology. The standard SeaExplorer platform operates at depths up to 1,000 m with an impressive endurance of 65-110 days, capable of covering distances up to 1,700 km.
The vehicle moves silently through the water column using buoyancy changes, maintaining a nominal speed of 0.5 knots with maximum capabilities of 1 knot. The SeaExplorer 1000-M represents ALSEAMAR's first purpose-built military variant, scheduled for commercial release in the second half of 2025. This version incorporates enhanced acoustic capabilities through the AURIS sensor system and features secured communications protocols. The French Navy has already conducted successful deployments, including a Mediterranean exercise where 4 SeaExplorers were launched from a FREMM frigate in spring 2024.
The SeaExplorer Shallow 200 is specifically engineered for operations in shallower coastal waters, optimized for missions between 10-200 m depth. This variant maintains the core capabilities of the family while being adapted for near-shore operations and coastal surveillance missions. Each SeaExplorer can accommodate up to six sensors within two sections (wet and dry), offering 9 litres of payload space and supporting up to 8 kg of specialized equipment. The system features a wingless design that enhances durability and simplifies deployment and recovery operations. Communication is maintained through a triple antenna system supporting GPS, satellite (Iridium), and radio communications.
In effect, ALSEAMAR masters all the hardware, software, and communications technologies indispensable to produce and proficiently operate underwater assets. ALSEAMAR maintains complete control over the production chain through in-house manufacturing facilities. The company has developed unique integrated testing procedures and facilities to guarantee high-performing buoyancy products, including permanent floats capable of generating several tons of thrust for oil and gas applications.
The SeaExplorer platform has achieved significant market penetration, with deployments in more than 20 countries since its commercial launch in 2014. The system recently marked a major milestone with the production of its 100th unit, demonstrating its reliability and market acceptance.
The SeaExplorer gliders are part of France’s efforts to create a technology powerhouse in underwater technology, with a focus on maritime intelligence gathering networks. The French strategy includes significant investment in autonomous and remotely operated vehicles as part of its 2030 investment plan. ALSEAMAR continues to advance its technological capabilities, particularly in acoustic detection systems and underwater communication, aligning with France's broader goals for maintaining sovereignty and security in the underwater domain.
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