CNN MCO, Thales, and CS GROUP have launched a collaborative effort to upgrade the navigation suites on France’s three Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carriers. The program covers the Mistral, Tonnerre, and Dixmude, and also includes support for the fleet’s replenishment and reconnaissance vessel Somme. Installation work on the Tonnerre and Dixmude, along with additional system enhancements, will align with the French Navy’s maintenance cycles, with full deployment expected by 2027. The goal is to maintain the ships’ operational readiness even under heavy electronic warfare conditions that could disrupt GPS-dependent systems. Thales will supply its TopAxyz inertial navigation system, which calculates a vessel’s position, velocity, and heading using internal sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Because it operates independently of external signals, the system ensures continuous navigation even when GPS access is unavailable or compromised. CS GROUP will handle the integration of the TopAxyz units into each ship’s broader navigation architecture. This includes sensor management, data distribution, embedded systems oversight, and cybersecurity measures. CNN MCO will lead installation, testing, maintenance, and long-term technical support to ensure sustained performance throughout each ship’s service life. Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carriers are among the French Navy’s largest surface vessels. Each ship measures 199 meters (653 feet) in length, has a beam of 32 meters (105 feet), and displaces 21,500 tons. They can reach speeds of up to 19 knots (35 kilometers or 22 miles per hour). Designed for power projection and amphibious operations, the ships can carry 177 crew members, up to 900 embarked troops, 16 helicopters, and either 60 armored vehicles or 13 tanks. They also include extensive medical facilities, notably a 69-bed hospital, enabling them to support humanitarian relief, amphibious assaults, and command-and-control operations.
