Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Naval Group Targets Danish Frigate Bid Amid European Spending Rise
Naval Group is a French company that builds warships.
It wants to build frigates for Denmark.
Many European countries are spending more on defence and ships.
Naval Group says it can deliver ships quickly because its production line is already working.
Some other shipbuilding projects have had delays or been cancelled.
The company is building ships for Greece, Sweden and France.
It also works with companies in countries that buy its ships.
Naval Group is competing with Babcock for Denmark’s contract.
Naval Group is preparing a bid to build frigates for Denmark as European governments increase defence spending.
The French state-controlled shipbuilder says clients outside France now provide 20% to 25% of its €4.7 billion annual turnover, up from zero in 2019.
Naval Group says its active production line and on-time deliveries give it an advantage as some rival frigate programmes face delays or cancellations.
The company says it can build two Defence and Intervention Frigates per year in Lorient, with delivery times below four years and a goal of about three.
Naval Group is competing with Babcock for Denmark’s deal; it lost Norway’s frigate contract to BAE Systems last year.
- Who
- French shipbuilder Naval Group, which is preparing a bid for Denmark’s frigate contract.
- What
- Naval Group is seeking to expand its European business by competing for frigate contracts and emphasizing delivery speed.
- When
- The report is dated October 8; the Danish bid is being prepared.
- Where
- Naval Group’s shipyard in Lorient, western France, and the European market.
- Why
- European governments are increasing defence spending amid concerns about Russia and reduced confidence in US security guarantees.
- Annual turnover
- €4.7 billion ($5.3 billion)
- Share from European clients outside France
- 20% to 25%, compared with zero in 2019
- Danish contract
- Naval Group is preparing a bid and competing with Babcock
- Lorient production capacity
- Up to two Defence and Intervention Frigates per year, according to Naval Group
- Target delivery time
- Less than four years, with an eventual goal of around three years
- French ownership
- The company is state-controlled; Thales owns 35%.
- Current construction
- Ships for Greece, Sweden and the French navy were being built or tested at the Lorient shipyard.