Naval Group Reveals SCX26 Drone-Carrying Warship Concept at Euronaval 2026

At the Euronaval 2026 exhibition, Naval Group unveiled its vision for future naval fleets with the presentation of the SCX26 concept ship, designed to be an operational hub for a hybrid fleet deploying various types of drones for multiple missions ¹²³. This innovative vessel measures around 170 meters in length and has a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons, boasting a top speed of about 30 knots and a range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles ²³.

The SCX26 concept ship is tailored to accommodate a crew of about 150, along with additional personnel such as commanders, specialists, or drone operators, making it a versatile platform for high-intensity operations ²³. These operations are transforming naval needs, challenging traditional fleet structures and technological capabilities, and emphasizing the importance of mass, persistence, and the ability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements ¹.

In response to these evolving requirements, Naval Group aims to enhance existing capabilities through improvements in resilience, AI-powered operations, and extended ranges via remote sensors ¹. The SCX26 concept ship integrates advanced sensor systems and utilizes an AI-driven combat management system, ensuring it can handle modern naval warfare challenges, including unmanned systems and cyberattacks ²³.

One of the standout features of the SCX26 is its large mission bay for helicopters and unmanned systems, connected by a high-capacity elevator, which allows for adaptability to different missions throughout its service life ². Additionally, the ship's design includes a modular structure with two main sections and a flexible middle area, providing ample space for drone and helicopter operations in the rear bay ³.

Equipped with over 100 VLS missile cells, an electromagnetic gun, and advanced sensors, the SCX26 is optimized for 150 crew members, with extra space for 100 officers and specialists ³. The design prioritizes survivability through system segregation and redundancy, supporting distributed naval operations with drones for various roles ³.

Artificial intelligence and automation play a crucial role in assisting the crew, though they do not replace human decision-making, highlighting the continued importance of skilled personnel in naval operations ³.

What we know

• - Naval Group presented its vision for future naval fleets at Euronaval 2026 ¹²³
• - The SCX26 concept ship is designed to be an operational hub for a hybrid fleet, deploying various types of drones for multiple missions ¹
• - The SCX26 concept ship measures around 170 meters in length and has a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons ²³
• - The SCX26 concept ship has a top speed of about 30 knots and a range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles ²³
• - The SCX26 concept ship accommodates a crew of about 150 and additional personnel such as commanders, specialists, or drone operators ²³
• - High-intensity operations are transforming naval needs, challenging fleet structures and technological capabilities ¹
• - Future naval fleets will require mass, persistence, and the ability to keep up with technological acceleration ¹
• - Naval Group aims to strengthen existing capabilities through improvements in resilience, AI-powered operations, and extended ranges via remote sensors ¹
• - Drones are becoming essential for completing conventional ships and addressing new challenges in naval combat ¹
• - The SCX26 concept ship includes a large mission bay for helicopters and unmanned systems, connected by a high-capacity elevator ²
• - The SCX26 concept ship's design allows for adaptability to different missions throughout its service life ²
• - The SCX26 concept ship incorporates advanced sensor systems and uses an AI-driven combat management system ²
• - The SCX26 is designed to handle modern naval warfare challenges including unmanned systems and cyberattacks ³
• - The SCX26 has a modular design with two main sections and a flexible middle area ³
• - The SCX26 includes a large rear bay for drone and helicopter operations ³
• - The SCX26 is equipped with over 100 VLS missile cells, an electromagnetic gun, and advanced sensors ³
• - Its design emphasizes survivability through system segregation and redundancy ³
• - The ship supports distributed naval operations with drones for various roles ³
• - Optimized for 150 crew members, with extra space for 100 officers and specialists ³
• - Artificial intelligence and automation assist crew but do not replace human decision-making ³