In the sights of the European Commission and NATO, the Breton SME SEAir hopes to soon secure a major collaboration with the DGA, thanks to its surface naval drone. Equipped with foils, this military vehicle offers a certain stability and a greater range. A fundraising of several million euros is being prepared to industrialize its solution.
“For me, we appear as a game changer,” says Richard Forest, the president of the Breton company SEAir. Although not well-known to the general public, the small SME is attracting attention in the defense sector thanks to maritime technological innovation. Founded in the 2010s as a specialized research office on foils, the company decided to adapt this element for military and security uses and become a full-fledged industrial player.
“Concrete, thanks to the foil, we create a state of calm sea. We thus allow equipped vehicles to go faster and further, as fuel consumption is reduced because the vessel hits the waves or swell less. Furthermore, by flying the boat above the water, as that is what it is about, we increase its stability. A crucial point for onboard equipment such as radars or weapon systems, and satellite communications,” explains the entrepreneur.
The foil has mainly been in the spotlight during major maritime races. But SEAir is currently developing a military surface naval drone equipped with this foil, which will double the range of military missions.
Beyond the distance thanks to fuel consumption halved and coupled with high-power electric propulsion pods, SEAir offers the French armed forces the possibility for its equipped vessels to turn on a dime. Arguments that have quickly impressed some soldiers.
NATO Exercise
Based in Lorient, in Morbihan, SEAir made its first foray into defense by winning an innovation competition for special forces at the end of the 2010s with this project, during an edition of the professional trade show Sofins. Since then, the company has caught the attention of the AID, the Defense Innovation Agency, as well as certain continental institutions like the European Defense Agency.
Context:
– SEAir is a Breton SME specializing in maritime technological innovation. – The company is developing a military surface naval drone equipped with foils to enhance range and stability.
Fact Check:
– SEAir won an innovation competition for special forces in the late 2010s. – The company has gained recognition from the Defense Innovation Agency and the European Defense Agency.
