PARIS, — French defense technology company Thales has unveiled its new Maritime Modular Capability at the Euronaval 2026 exhibition in Paris. The containerized mission system is designed to provide naval forces with flexible deployment options and the ability to adapt operational capabilities to changing mission requirements.
The system combines multiple naval technologies inside a standard 20-foot (approximately six-metre) shipping container, creating what Thales describes as a “system of systems.” It is designed for deployment aboard conventional warships, unmanned surface vessels and land-based facilities.
Modular Design Supports Flexible Naval Operations
The Maritime Modular Capability is built around a modular architecture that allows operators to reconfigure its internal systems according to specific mission requirements or emerging threats. The design enables changes to mission equipment without requiring structural modifications to the host vessel or platform.
Thales said the approach supports the development of hybrid naval fleets, in which crewed warships operate alongside uncrewed maritime systems. The containerized design also allows the capability to be transported and deployed where required.
Three Main Operational Functions
The demonstrator displayed at Euronaval 2026 integrates three primary operational functions:
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Surveillance and reconnaissance: Radars, sonars and electronic warfare systems provide monitoring capabilities and support maritime situational awareness.
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Fire control: The system connects with Thales’ TACTICOS combat management system, which is currently installed on more than 200 ships worldwide, enabling remote fire-control management.
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Navigation and communications: Integrated systems provide navigational data and maintain operational communications.
The system is designed to be scalable, allowing customers to add, replace or modify capabilities according to their operational requirements.
Ready for Operational Testing
Thales representatives stated that the Maritime Modular Capability demonstrator is ready for operational testing. However, the company has not announced a formal testing schedule or an official deployment timeline.
Erik-Jan Raatgerink, director of strategy for surface systems at Thales, said navies increasingly require the ability to integrate and update operational capabilities throughout a ship’s service life. The Maritime Modular Capability is intended to provide that flexibility.
The system is being presented at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre during Euronaval 2026, which runs from November 3 to November 6.
Thales has not released further technical specifications, pricing details or confirmed customer commitments for the new capability.
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