Naval Group, a center of excellence in underwater technologies

By establishing itself on this iconic coastal site, Naval Group is committing to a project of international scope that combines military sovereignty, technological innovation, and high environmental performance. In an increasingly tense global geopolitical context, seabed mastery and the development of autonomous systems are absolute priorities for the Marine nationale. The Bormettes project is part of this roadmap.

However, the integration of such an industrial complex on the Côte d'Azur has unleashed the inevitable 'troublemakers'! Facing the Municipality and economic actors who welcome a historic and welcome reindustrialization, two local environmental associations 'Les amis des Bormettes' and 'France Nature Environnement 83' are worried about the project's environmental impact.

Naval Group, un pôle d'excellence en technologies sous-marines

GLOBAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Thus, legal appeals were attempted to suspend the development in the name of coastal protection, but the courts maintained the course of the manufacturer's schedule, referring the examination of the cases on their merits. Naval Group must therefore deal with increased citizen and environmental vigilance, typical of the societal demands of our time.

Yet its ambition is to design a global center of excellence dedicated to drones, autonomous systems, and underwater weapons. To achieve this, the manufacturer is relying on an unprecedented consolidation and modernization approach. The 17,000 m² site will centralize teams previously scattered across Var (Saint-Tropez, where the closure of the historic site is scheduled, Ollioules, and Toulon-Lagoubran).

Ultimately, more than 550 employees (engineers, technicians, and researchers) will work at Bormettes.

A major geographical asset, the coastal front of La Londe-les-Maures will host a surface combat systems (DCS) center equipped with testing infrastructure for the integration and rapid prototyping of marine drones and latest-generation torpedoes (such as the F21 and MU90). A managerial and industrial breakthrough designed by the Patriarche architecture agency, the complex offers a "Wow" concept (New Ways of Working). The interior layout aims to break down industrial silos to stimulate creativity, collaboration, and agility in the face of increased international competition.

FIRST SHOVEL STROKES The project's operational schedule follows a controlled trajectory to breathe life back into the Bormettes industrial brownfield. First in 2024 – 2025, it was the time for preparation and investigation. After the choice of the architectural firm in spring 2024, the year 2025 was marked by a public inquiry held during the summer, followed by the submission and processing of the building permit.

At the beginning of 2026, the construction site was launched. The first ground-breaking and earthworks therefore began. Then, the industrial site will be commissioned. The delivery of the facility, the completion of the work, and the move-in of the 550 employees are scheduled for the final months of 2027.

Finally, Naval Group aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 70% compared to current activities. "The project targets the highest ecological standards, including the BiodiverCity label (High Performance level) and NF HQE Excellent certification," confirms an executive of the global company. Thus, the future campus integrates advanced bioclimatic techniques, photovoltaic panels covering 30% of energy needs, soil permeability to prevent flooding, and the reuse of materials (such as the Eiffel metal framework of the former nave, recycled into a pergola for the restaurant).

Finally, the project plans to double the site's tree heritage by planting 400 Mediterranean tree species adapted to water stress.

By reconnecting with its maritime past, La Londe-les-Maures is not just rehabilitating a historic brownfield but is establishing itself as one of the future technological hubs of French and global naval defense. • Sam FELLAH – Photos Philippe OLIVIER