UDT Europe is the leading global conference and exhibition dedicated to underwater defence and security issues which is being held for the last 25 years. It brings together professionals from the military, industry and academia to focus on the cutting-edge technologies and developments in submarine technologies, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, and critical developments in delivering security in the underwater environment. The 2013 edition of UDT was held at Hamburg from June18-20 where DCNS showcased a large number of underwater cutting-edge technologies and products.

Scorpene family of diesel electric submarines (SSKs): These have already been selected by the Chilean, Royal Malaysian, Indian and Brazilian Navies. Scorpene submarines represent state-of-theart in submarine design and construction specially in acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Scorpene also offers the option of MESMA©AIP system which is a an Air Independent Propulsion system designed specifically for conventional submarines. It also supplies electricity and recharges the batteries without the need to surface. With this option Scorpene is capable of carrying out underwater missions for more than three weeks without the need to come on surface to access atmospheric oxygen.

Subtics combat system: This system combines long-range weapons like torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, counter-measures and land-attack capabilities in all navigation conditions. The functions are carried out from multi-function common consoles which have open architecture and modular construction to ensure easy adaption by other submarines and combat requirements.

Andrasta: This is a compact submarine designed to operate in littoral conditions. Andrasta has evolved from Scorpene and combines a state-of-the-art design with stealth, agility and power.

Heavy weight torpedo F21: DCNS has been awarded a contract for the development and production of F21 torpedoes for the French Navy. This torpedo is designed to enable submarines to destroy enemy surface combatants and submarines. It has a maximum speed of 50 kts (92.6 kmph) and a range of more than 50 km. So far 100 units have been ordered. Migal interface module enables F-21 torpedo to be fired from all type of submarines.

Lightweight torpedo MU90: MU90 is the sole new lightweight torpedo in the world which is designed to counter any type of submarine like acoustically coated, deep diving, taking fast evasive action, deploying anti-torpedo measures or bottomed in littoral areas. MU90 torpedo is in service in Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.

Contralto/Canto: This is a new-generation torpedo defence system which has been especially designed to counter the legacy torpedoes as well as the modern family of torpedoes. The system can easily be incorporated into newly designed ships or added during refit or modernisation programme of ships. These are being delivered to the French and Brazilian Navy.

SMX26: SMX-26 is a 1,000 tonnes surface displacement submarine designed to operate in extreme shallow waters and is the first submarine designed to operate effectively in shallow waters with full capability. It can operate in 12-metre deep waters due to specific hull design. Bottoming is an active situation for the SMX-26 during which it can accomplish long surveillance missions. When required SMX-26 can rapidly hover and counter threat from air, surface and subsurface. It also enables the massive deployment of Special Forces and their equipments within minutes.

Lithium-based chemistry: Energy sources are a key issue for the development of new underwater electrical vehicles and lithium-based chemistry is one of the most promising options. DCNS is thus carrying out research and development in this field, a paper on which was presented during the current UDT.

OPV as a potential mine countermeasures mother ship: Future mine countermeasures (MCM) will be carried out by unmanned vehicles, launched from ashore or mother ships which will also reduce the requirement of special MCM ships. Thus a discussion was carried out on the feasibility of carrying and operating MCM unmanned systems from OPVs led by DCNS where they also presented a possible solution.