The French Directorate General of Armaments (Direction générale de l’armement) on January 16 awarded Nexter and its co-contractor Naval Group a contract for the modernization of the Narwhal 20B 20mm remote weapon stations (RWS) fitted aboard all French Navy (Marine Nationale) surface vessels. Nexter Narwhal Naval remote weapon systems is particularly designed for use in lightships with very high manoeuvrability for monitoring and close-in combat actions but may also be suitable for heavier tonnage ships. The effectiveness of the weapon is optimised by a stabilised sight associated with a fire-control system while improving the operator’s safety.
Nexter the French Defence company with its Narwhal Naval remote weapon systems is particularly designed for use in lightships with very high manoeuvrability for monitoring and close-in combat actions but may also be suitable for heavier tonnage ships. The effectiveness of the weapon is optimised by a stabilised sight associated with a fire-control system while improving the operator’s safety. Certification of Narwhal 20B in “V2″ version is targeted for mid-2021. Deployment on French naval vessels will be completed before the first half of 2022. Six new offshore patrol vessels known as POM (Patrouilleur d’Outre-Mer) are also set to be fitted with the systems.
According to Nexter, Narwhal Naval remote weapon systems is the most advanced 20mm naval weapon station on the market today. Selected by the French Navy in late 2011, already integrated on Normandie Frigate by DCNS, Narwhal Naval remote weapon systems ensures the close-in self-defense of the French FREMM Frigates. Great interest for Narwhal Naval remote weapon systems is growing on Export markets. Narwhal 20A or Narwhal 20B, selected by End users depending on their ammunition standard (20x102mm or 20x139mm) meets the exact needs of naval Forces and is the response for countering both conventional and asymmetric threats. More than 35 units are currently in production.