French shipbuilding company DCNS has contracted Nexter Systems to supply naval remotely controlled weapon stations.

The deal firmed last month comprise 22 NARWHAL 20B (NAval Remote Weapon, Highly Accurate, Lightweight) weapon systems.

The weapon station will equip the 6000 tonnes and 142 meters long FREMM (Frégate Européenne Multi-Missions) multi-mission frigates procured by the OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ ARmement) on behalf of the French Ministry of Defence procurement agency DGA (Direction Générale de l´Armement).

It is understood that the sensor suite is supplied by Hexavision Sarl while Sagem SA (of SAFRAN group) supply the stabilization system.

Between 2012 and 2022, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) is to receive a total of 11 frigates which form the Aquitaine Class (9 frigates configured for anti-submarine warfare and two vessels for air defence operations). Each vessel will be equipped with two NARWHAL weapon systems.

The NARWHAL consist of a gyro-stabilized mounting armed with a 20mm gun, a daylight camera and a fire control system, which is remotely controlled from a command & control panel.

A thermal camera and a laser range finder target automatic tracking video system can be added. The weapon system is available in the 20A and 20B versions. The 20A version is armed with a M621 20mm gun (single feed) and fire 20mmx102 rounds while the 20B version (dual feed) is armed with a M693 20mm gun which fire 20mmx139 ammunition. The system can be linked to the ship combat management system.

The weapon station main task is to provide self-protection against asymmetric threats.

The French MoD is also considering to equip the French Navy three BPC (Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandement) command & projection ships (two in operation and one to be delivered in early 2012) with remote controlled weapon station to improve self-protection capability.

(Nexter Systems).