Xavier Vavasseur
@xaviervav.bsky.social
Naval reporter, @navalnews.com founder and chief editor. Interest in Defense⚔️, Navy⚓, F1🏎️, Sci-Fi👽. Born in 🇼🇫, 🇫🇷🤝🇺🇸
Pinned
I had the amazing opportunity to spend the day (well, 14 hours) at sea aboard Amiral Ronarc'h, the future FDI frigate for the Marine Nationale. Impressive design: From its distinctive inverted bow providing great sea keeping to the data centers and asymmetric warfare bridge making it truly unique.
I went to Brest this week to meet with ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vice Adm. Xavier Petit, Commander, French Submarine and Strategic Forces. Our interview focused on the Barracuda type / Suffren-class SSN and the capabilities it brings to the Marine Nationale 🇫🇷
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com for the video ⚓
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com for the video ⚓
November 22, 2025 at 10:49 AM
I went to Brest this week to meet with ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vice Adm. Xavier Petit, Commander, French Submarine and Strategic Forces. Our interview focused on the Barracuda type / Suffren-class SSN and the capabilities it brings to the Marine Nationale 🇫🇷
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com for the video ⚓
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com for the video ⚓
I made it to Sydney for Indo Pacific 2025 🇦🇺🦘
Obligatory Sunday stroll in the Royal botanical garden which offers great views on some grey hulls... Including the latest addition to the RAN fleet: Offshore patrol vessel HMAS Arafura
Obligatory Sunday stroll in the Royal botanical garden which offers great views on some grey hulls... Including the latest addition to the RAN fleet: Offshore patrol vessel HMAS Arafura
November 2, 2025 at 9:14 AM
I made it to Sydney for Indo Pacific 2025 🇦🇺🦘
Obligatory Sunday stroll in the Royal botanical garden which offers great views on some grey hulls... Including the latest addition to the RAN fleet: Offshore patrol vessel HMAS Arafura
Obligatory Sunday stroll in the Royal botanical garden which offers great views on some grey hulls... Including the latest addition to the RAN fleet: Offshore patrol vessel HMAS Arafura
Access and filming aboard submarines is usually very rare and restricted. Many thanks to the Italian Navy for giving @navalnews.com this exclusive and detailed tour during Sea Future 2025.
[VIDEO] Rare access inside an Italian Navy Navy Type 212A Submarine 🇮🇹
Naval News takes you on a tour aboard Italian Navy submarine ITS Romeo Romei (S 529), with the Commanding Officer and XO. Romeo Romei is the final Todaro-class Batch 2 submarine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNX2...
Naval News takes you on a tour aboard Italian Navy submarine ITS Romeo Romei (S 529), with the Commanding Officer and XO. Romeo Romei is the final Todaro-class Batch 2 submarine.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNX2...
Rare access inside an Italian Navy Type 212A Submarine
YouTube video by Naval News
www.youtube.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Access and filming aboard submarines is usually very rare and restricted. Many thanks to the Italian Navy for giving @navalnews.com this exclusive and detailed tour during Sea Future 2025.
Two weeks ago, I received an unexpected call from the French Navy asking if I would like to witness and cover the firing of an Aster 30 SAM from air defense destroyer Forbin 🚀
It took place on Wednesday. This was an extremely rare opportunity & a highlight in my career
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com
It took place on Wednesday. This was an extremely rare opportunity & a highlight in my career
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Two weeks ago, I received an unexpected call from the French Navy asking if I would like to witness and cover the firing of an Aster 30 SAM from air defense destroyer Forbin 🚀
It took place on Wednesday. This was an extremely rare opportunity & a highlight in my career
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com
It took place on Wednesday. This was an extremely rare opportunity & a highlight in my career
Stay tuned to @navalnews.com
At the T. Marriotti shioyard in Genoa 🇮🇹 for the christening and commissioning ceremony of the Italian Navy’s new Special Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship (SDO-SuRS)
October 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
At the T. Marriotti shioyard in Genoa 🇮🇹 for the christening and commissioning ceremony of the Italian Navy’s new Special Diving Operations – Submarine Rescue Ship (SDO-SuRS)
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
**BREAKING**
China Moves Two Super-Sized ‘XXL’ Uncrewed Submarines To South China Sea
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China Moves Two Super-Sized ‘XXL’ Uncrewed Submarines To South China Sea
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China Moves Two Super-Sized 'XXL' Uncrewed Submarines To South China Sea - Naval News
New information reveals that the Chinese Navy (PLAN) is testing its uncrewed submarines on Hainan in the South China Sea. The two underwater drones, by far the world's largest, have not been publicly ...
www.navalnews.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:03 PM
**BREAKING**
China Moves Two Super-Sized ‘XXL’ Uncrewed Submarines To South China Sea
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
China Moves Two Super-Sized ‘XXL’ Uncrewed Submarines To South China Sea
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
[VIDEO] Copenhagen Orca USV at DSEI UK 2025 🇩🇰
Denmark-based company Copenhagen Global was demonstrating their new "Copenhagen Orca" unmanned surface vessel (USV) during DSEI UK 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=28hV...
Denmark-based company Copenhagen Global was demonstrating their new "Copenhagen Orca" unmanned surface vessel (USV) during DSEI UK 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=28hV...
Copenhagen Orca USV at DSEI UK 2025
YouTube video by Naval News
www.youtube.com
September 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM
[VIDEO] Copenhagen Orca USV at DSEI UK 2025 🇩🇰
Denmark-based company Copenhagen Global was demonstrating their new "Copenhagen Orca" unmanned surface vessel (USV) during DSEI UK 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=28hV...
Denmark-based company Copenhagen Global was demonstrating their new "Copenhagen Orca" unmanned surface vessel (USV) during DSEI UK 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=28hV...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
At last week’s NID, we presented our latest holistic and disruptive solutions to provide 360° short-range defence.
Some are already integrated on our warships, such as the #FDI ‘s Asymmetric Warfare Bridge, bringing unique capabilities to counter emerging & fast-evolving threats.
Some are already integrated on our warships, such as the #FDI ‘s Asymmetric Warfare Bridge, bringing unique capabilities to counter emerging & fast-evolving threats.
September 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
At last week’s NID, we presented our latest holistic and disruptive solutions to provide 360° short-range defence.
Some are already integrated on our warships, such as the #FDI ‘s Asymmetric Warfare Bridge, bringing unique capabilities to counter emerging & fast-evolving threats.
Some are already integrated on our warships, such as the #FDI ‘s Asymmetric Warfare Bridge, bringing unique capabilities to counter emerging & fast-evolving threats.
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
This example is a testimony of our ability to anticipate in order to reconcile long-term programmes with fast-paced changes. To protect, one needs to detect.
Check out this report by @navalnews.com
youtu.be/YMt2pzURRlI&...
Check out this report by @navalnews.com
youtu.be/YMt2pzURRlI&...
youtu.be
September 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
This example is a testimony of our ability to anticipate in order to reconcile long-term programmes with fast-paced changes. To protect, one needs to detect.
Check out this report by @navalnews.com
youtu.be/YMt2pzURRlI&...
Check out this report by @navalnews.com
youtu.be/YMt2pzURRlI&...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
[VIDEO] @naval-group.com working on the weaponization of drones 🇫🇷
- Weaponization of the Seaquest range of unmanned surface vessels (USV)
- New very lightweight torpedo (VLT) and depth charges
- Cormorant amphibious UAV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0Y...
- Weaponization of the Seaquest range of unmanned surface vessels (USV)
- New very lightweight torpedo (VLT) and depth charges
- Cormorant amphibious UAV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0Y...
Naval Group working on the weaponization of drones
YouTube video by Naval News
www.youtube.com
September 21, 2025 at 11:57 AM
[VIDEO] @naval-group.com working on the weaponization of drones 🇫🇷
- Weaponization of the Seaquest range of unmanned surface vessels (USV)
- New very lightweight torpedo (VLT) and depth charges
- Cormorant amphibious UAV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0Y...
- Weaponization of the Seaquest range of unmanned surface vessels (USV)
- New very lightweight torpedo (VLT) and depth charges
- Cormorant amphibious UAV
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0Y...
Naval Group gave me access to its Steeris system this morning near Toulon.
➡️ It is a compact containerized solution, which can be deployed on land or on a vessel of opportunity (civilian or military) and is designed to implement and manage the missions of one or more drones / UxVs
@navalnews.com
➡️ It is a compact containerized solution, which can be deployed on land or on a vessel of opportunity (civilian or military) and is designed to implement and manage the missions of one or more drones / UxVs
@navalnews.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Naval Group gave me access to its Steeris system this morning near Toulon.
➡️ It is a compact containerized solution, which can be deployed on land or on a vessel of opportunity (civilian or military) and is designed to implement and manage the missions of one or more drones / UxVs
@navalnews.com
➡️ It is a compact containerized solution, which can be deployed on land or on a vessel of opportunity (civilian or military) and is designed to implement and manage the missions of one or more drones / UxVs
@navalnews.com
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
Blog - Quand la chasse s'invite dans l'armée de Terre avec l'escadron de drones de chasse (EDC) du 1er RIMA
"Disposer de drones armés en grande quantité intégrés dans une unité de mêlée, ici un ancien escadron sur AMX 10 RC, apte à suivre la manœuvre"
mars-attaque.blogspot.com/2025/07/dron...
"Disposer de drones armés en grande quantité intégrés dans une unité de mêlée, ici un ancien escadron sur AMX 10 RC, apte à suivre la manœuvre"
mars-attaque.blogspot.com/2025/07/dron...
Ruches, reines et ouvrières - Quand la chasse s'invite dans l'armée de Terre avec l'escadron de drones de chasse (EDC) du 1er RIMa
Ni Rafale, ni Mirage 2000 pour cet escadron de chasse d’un nouveau genre. Bien ancrée au sol, cette unité d'un nouveau genre imaginée et arm...
mars-attaque.blogspot.com
July 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Blog - Quand la chasse s'invite dans l'armée de Terre avec l'escadron de drones de chasse (EDC) du 1er RIMA
"Disposer de drones armés en grande quantité intégrés dans une unité de mêlée, ici un ancien escadron sur AMX 10 RC, apte à suivre la manœuvre"
mars-attaque.blogspot.com/2025/07/dron...
"Disposer de drones armés en grande quantité intégrés dans une unité de mêlée, ici un ancien escadron sur AMX 10 RC, apte à suivre la manœuvre"
mars-attaque.blogspot.com/2025/07/dron...
Off to 🇻🇳 for some R & R with the family
July 29, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Off to 🇻🇳 for some R & R with the family
Day 1 at #IDEF2025 🇹🇷
We spent the morning at Istanbul marina where 4 USVs are on display.
- Marlin ASW
- Marlin ASuW
- Ulaq port security
- Sancar MCM
@navalnews.com video with insights by @tayfunozberk.bsky.social and yours truly coming out tomorrow 👍
We spent the morning at Istanbul marina where 4 USVs are on display.
- Marlin ASW
- Marlin ASuW
- Ulaq port security
- Sancar MCM
@navalnews.com video with insights by @tayfunozberk.bsky.social and yours truly coming out tomorrow 👍
July 22, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Day 1 at #IDEF2025 🇹🇷
We spent the morning at Istanbul marina where 4 USVs are on display.
- Marlin ASW
- Marlin ASuW
- Ulaq port security
- Sancar MCM
@navalnews.com video with insights by @tayfunozberk.bsky.social and yours truly coming out tomorrow 👍
We spent the morning at Istanbul marina where 4 USVs are on display.
- Marlin ASW
- Marlin ASuW
- Ulaq port security
- Sancar MCM
@navalnews.com video with insights by @tayfunozberk.bsky.social and yours truly coming out tomorrow 👍
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
[VIDEO] French Navy's future Airbus A321 MPA 🇫🇷
@marinenationale.bsky.social Captain Johann, Head of Naval Air Office, Navy HQ - Plans / Programs, discusses the key requirement that led to the choice of the Airbus A321 MPA solution: Long range & a large weapons bay ✈️⚓️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6mH...
@marinenationale.bsky.social Captain Johann, Head of Naval Air Office, Navy HQ - Plans / Programs, discusses the key requirement that led to the choice of the Airbus A321 MPA solution: Long range & a large weapons bay ✈️⚓️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6mH...
French Navy's future Airbus A321 MPA
YouTube video by Naval News
www.youtube.com
July 17, 2025 at 2:49 PM
[VIDEO] French Navy's future Airbus A321 MPA 🇫🇷
@marinenationale.bsky.social Captain Johann, Head of Naval Air Office, Navy HQ - Plans / Programs, discusses the key requirement that led to the choice of the Airbus A321 MPA solution: Long range & a large weapons bay ✈️⚓️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6mH...
@marinenationale.bsky.social Captain Johann, Head of Naval Air Office, Navy HQ - Plans / Programs, discusses the key requirement that led to the choice of the Airbus A321 MPA solution: Long range & a large weapons bay ✈️⚓️
www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6mH...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
[VIDEO] New ship programs of the Belgian Navy 🇧🇪
Admiral Carl Gillis discusses the rMCM and ASW Frigate programs, and how the Belgian Navy is adapting to the new security context in Europe.
Interview recorded during Combined Naval Event 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w06o...
Admiral Carl Gillis discusses the rMCM and ASW Frigate programs, and how the Belgian Navy is adapting to the new security context in Europe.
Interview recorded during Combined Naval Event 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w06o...
New ship programs of the Belgian Navy
YouTube video by Naval News
www.youtube.com
July 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
[VIDEO] New ship programs of the Belgian Navy 🇧🇪
Admiral Carl Gillis discusses the rMCM and ASW Frigate programs, and how the Belgian Navy is adapting to the new security context in Europe.
Interview recorded during Combined Naval Event 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w06o...
Admiral Carl Gillis discusses the rMCM and ASW Frigate programs, and how the Belgian Navy is adapting to the new security context in Europe.
Interview recorded during Combined Naval Event 2025 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w06o...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
UK and France pledge coordinated nuclear deterrent 🇬🇧🇫🇷☢️
The respective deterrents of both countries remain under national control ‘but can be coordinated,’ in response to major threats...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
The respective deterrents of both countries remain under national control ‘but can be coordinated,’ in response to major threats...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
UK and France pledge coordinated nuclear deterrent - Naval News
UK and France nuclear deterrents can be coordinated in response to major threats against the European continent.
www.navalnews.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:04 PM
UK and France pledge coordinated nuclear deterrent 🇬🇧🇫🇷☢️
The respective deterrents of both countries remain under national control ‘but can be coordinated,’ in response to major threats...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
The respective deterrents of both countries remain under national control ‘but can be coordinated,’ in response to major threats...
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
🇸🇪🤝🇫🇷
Saab and the French defence procurement agency DGA have signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France
Saab and the French defence procurement agency DGA have signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France
June 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM
🇸🇪🤝🇫🇷
Saab and the French defence procurement agency DGA have signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France
Saab and the French defence procurement agency DGA have signed a joint declaration of intent regarding the sale of Saab’s GlobalEye Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to France
LMC: The 🇫🇷 equivalent to 🇺🇸 Typhon / MRC, but simpler, cheaper and lighter. Perfect for 🇪🇺 urgent requirement.
Video interview with MBDA and DGA representatives coming up in a few days 👍
Video interview with MBDA and DGA representatives coming up in a few days 👍
June 19, 2025 at 8:06 AM
LMC: The 🇫🇷 equivalent to 🇺🇸 Typhon / MRC, but simpler, cheaper and lighter. Perfect for 🇪🇺 urgent requirement.
Video interview with MBDA and DGA representatives coming up in a few days 👍
Video interview with MBDA and DGA representatives coming up in a few days 👍
Productive day at #ParisAirShow2025
I interviewed the head of combat aircraft at DGA regarding 🇫🇷 Rafale Marine future evolutions, UCAV and NGF naval variant.
I also interviewed the chief of 🇩🇪 Marineflieger on the new NH90 Sea Tiger
Videos to come at @navalnews.com ...
I interviewed the head of combat aircraft at DGA regarding 🇫🇷 Rafale Marine future evolutions, UCAV and NGF naval variant.
I also interviewed the chief of 🇩🇪 Marineflieger on the new NH90 Sea Tiger
Videos to come at @navalnews.com ...
June 17, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Productive day at #ParisAirShow2025
I interviewed the head of combat aircraft at DGA regarding 🇫🇷 Rafale Marine future evolutions, UCAV and NGF naval variant.
I also interviewed the chief of 🇩🇪 Marineflieger on the new NH90 Sea Tiger
Videos to come at @navalnews.com ...
I interviewed the head of combat aircraft at DGA regarding 🇫🇷 Rafale Marine future evolutions, UCAV and NGF naval variant.
I also interviewed the chief of 🇩🇪 Marineflieger on the new NH90 Sea Tiger
Videos to come at @navalnews.com ...
Off to Jakarta 🇮🇩 to cover Indodefence with @tayfunozberk.bsky.social , Fauzan and Guy for @navalnews.com (ahead of the Paris Airshow 😮💨)
June 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Off to Jakarta 🇮🇩 to cover Indodefence with @tayfunozberk.bsky.social , Fauzan and Guy for @navalnews.com (ahead of the Paris Airshow 😮💨)
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
[VIDEO] LIG Nex1 K-SAAM II, K-SAAM and CIWS II at MADEX 2025 🇰🇷
LIG Nex1 was showcasing for the first time the K-SAAM II medium range (함대공유도탄-II in Korean). The South Korean defense company was also showcasing the K-SAAM (해궁) and the CIWS-II
youtu.be/SJwH3lMuUEM
LIG Nex1 was showcasing for the first time the K-SAAM II medium range (함대공유도탄-II in Korean). The South Korean defense company was also showcasing the K-SAAM (해궁) and the CIWS-II
youtu.be/SJwH3lMuUEM
LIG Nex1 K-SAAM II, K-SAAM and CIWS II at MADEX 2025
YouTube video by Naval News
youtu.be
June 9, 2025 at 10:25 AM
[VIDEO] LIG Nex1 K-SAAM II, K-SAAM and CIWS II at MADEX 2025 🇰🇷
LIG Nex1 was showcasing for the first time the K-SAAM II medium range (함대공유도탄-II in Korean). The South Korean defense company was also showcasing the K-SAAM (해궁) and the CIWS-II
youtu.be/SJwH3lMuUEM
LIG Nex1 was showcasing for the first time the K-SAAM II medium range (함대공유도탄-II in Korean). The South Korean defense company was also showcasing the K-SAAM (해궁) and the CIWS-II
youtu.be/SJwH3lMuUEM
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
At MADEX 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled a new frigate, HDF-6000, designed for the global naval defense market 🇰🇷
www.navalnews.com/event-news/m...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/m...
HD HHI Unveils New HDF-6000 Export Frigate at MADEX 2025 - Naval News
At MADEX 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled a new frigate, HDF-6000, designed for the global naval defense market
www.navalnews.com
June 7, 2025 at 6:33 AM
At MADEX 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled a new frigate, HDF-6000, designed for the global naval defense market 🇰🇷
www.navalnews.com/event-news/m...
www.navalnews.com/event-news/m...
Reposted by Xavier Vavasseur
The Arida-M Counter-Kamikaze USV System, jointly developed by Anadolu Robotik and Sekizaltmış Technology, has successfully completed the initial phase of development and started the sea trial stage 🇹🇷
By @tayfunozberk.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
By @tayfunozberk.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Anadolu Robotik Starts Sea Tests of Arida-M Counter-Kamikaze USV System - Naval News
The Arida-M Counter-Kamikaze USV System, jointly developed by Anadolu Robotik and Sekizaltmış Technology, has successfully completed the initial phase of development and started the sea trial stage.
www.navalnews.com
May 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
The Arida-M Counter-Kamikaze USV System, jointly developed by Anadolu Robotik and Sekizaltmış Technology, has successfully completed the initial phase of development and started the sea trial stage 🇹🇷
By @tayfunozberk.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
By @tayfunozberk.bsky.social
www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2...
Many thanks to the RSN for giving me an exclusive tour of one their Independence class frigates 🙏 It was my first time aboard. I could note the shared DNA of the design with the Lafayette class and the FREMM but at the same time a lot of customization (on the bridge and in the CIC for example) 🇸🇬👍
May 9, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Many thanks to the RSN for giving me an exclusive tour of one their Independence class frigates 🙏 It was my first time aboard. I could note the shared DNA of the design with the Lafayette class and the FREMM but at the same time a lot of customization (on the bridge and in the CIC for example) 🇸🇬👍