Safran selected for French nuclear deterrent inertial navigation systems

Paris, France – November 2, 2026 – Safran Electronics & Defense has announced its selection for three major French nuclear deterrence inertial navigation programs this year, deploying its Hemispherical Resonating Gyroscope (HRG) technology across three core platforms. Designed and manufactured in France, the HRG is a high-precision sensor recognized as the most advanced inertial device globally.

The three targeted platforms comprise:

• SSBNs (Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines): The Global Navigation System (GNS) for third-generation SSBNs will achieve unprecedented performance, enabling extended autonomous navigation without requiring GNSS updates. This system succeeds the SGN-3EV currently operating on Triomphant-class submarines.
• The M51 missile: For the M51.4 version destined for 2G and 3G SSBNs, the CI4 inertial measurement unit will rely on dual-core HRG technology to provide enhanced precision within a significantly more compact footprint.
• The Rafale fighter: Dual-core HRG technology will equip the majority of aircraft in the fifth production batch (F4 standard). Aboard the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, Safran’s navigation unit serves as the alignment reference for Rafale navigation systems prior to missions.

To support production, Safran Electronics & Defense invested €120 million this year in its French industrial facilities, which currently manufacture 10,000 HRGs annually and target an output of 30,000 units per year by 2032. This milestone extends over fifty years of commitment to France’s nuclear deterrent, further demonstrated on October 6 when the SSBN Le Vigilant successfully test-fired an M51.3 missile off the coast of Finistère.