The framework agreement aims to acquire a coastal drone (USV) and a 6000m drone (AUV)

The framework agreement, valued at 24 million EUR, is signed by the Service hydrographique et océanographique de la Marine (SHOM) to acquire a coastal unmanned surface vehicle (USV) drone, specifically the DriX H-9 model complementary to the existing Marlin (DriX H-8), and a 6000m autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the Hugin Superior model from Kongsberg Discovery. These innovative drones will enhance high-resolution mapping of coastal seabeds up to 200m depth, detecting wrecks and seabed nature for military and civilian needs, and can operate simultaneously to multiply data collection capabilities. The agreement supports SHOM's 2024 transformation plan for hydrographic and oceanographic data acquisition, integrating with new hydrographic vessels.