PhotonFirst and Naval Group announced a partnership aiming at testing the use of fibre-optic sensors on the structures of Naval Group’s surface vessels and submarines. The objective is to improve the structural monitoring of naval platforms, and, ultimately, to enhance their operational availability and reduce maintenance requirements.
This partnership forms part of the fruitful cooperation between Naval Group and the Netherlands’ DTIB. By combining PhotonFirst’s Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG)-based sensing technology with Naval Group’s extensive naval expertise, the project aims to demonstrate how the application of fiber-optic sensing can provide accurate, real-time insight into strain, temperature, critical onboard systems and structural behavior under operational loading conditions.
FBG-based sensing offers several advantages, including: immunity to electromagnetic interference; improved reliability in harsh environments such as subsea; reduced cabling weight and complexity; simple and efficient installation.
“Naval platforms demand extremely reliable and accurate monitoring technologies,” says Leendert-Jan Nijstad, CEO of PhotonFirst. “Fiber-optic sensing and integrated photonics will play an important role in the next generation of naval structural monitoring and platform health management. By providing real-time insight into structural behavior, our technology can help improve operational uptime, mission readiness and lifecycle performance.”
“We are pleased to sign this agreement with PhotonFirst,” says Oliver Doucy, CEO of Naval Group Netherlands. “This cooperation enables Naval Group to leverage innovative Dutch technology in our shipbuilding activities. The specialised expertise and sensing capabilities developed through this partnership will not only support submarine programmes, but also a wider range of naval vessels.”
About PhotonFirst
PhotonFirst is a Dutch deep-tech company developing advanced fiber optic sensing solutions based on integrated photonics technology for aerospace, naval, defense, infrastructure and industrial applications. The company’s compact interrogator platforms enable high-performance sensing in environments where conventional sensing technologies face limitations.
For more information contact Jacco Overdulve – jacco.overdulve@photonfirst.com - +31 6 1310 4117
About Naval Group
As an international naval defence player, Naval Group is a partner for countries seeking to maintain control of their maritime sovereignty. Naval Group develops innovative solutions to meet its customers’ requirements. The group is present throughout the entire life cycle of vessels. It designs, produces, equips, integrates, supports and upgrades submarines and surface ships, as well as their systems and equipment, right up to the final phases of deconstruction and dismantling. Naval Group’s unique know-how in autonomous systems, underwater weapons and drones place it in pole position to become European leader in the sector. As a high-tech company, it draws on its outstanding expertise, unique design and production resources and ability to establish strategic partnerships, in particular within the framework of transfers of technology. It also provides shipyard and naval base services.
Ever mindful of the issues concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR), Naval Group is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. Located on five continents, the group generates revenue of 4.679 billion euros and has 17,170 employees (Full-Time Equivalent average annual workforce - figures as on 31 December 2025).