The handover, completed on October 21, 2025, marks another key milestone in the collaborative effort between Thales, OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation), the French Ministry of Armed Forces, and the UK Ministry of Defense.

Ten months after the delivery of Canopus (the first French USV), the arrival of Rigel represents an additional enhancement for the Marine Nationale to follow its ramp-up to a fully operational mine countermeasure capability, unlocks new capabilities, and brings improved maturity and reliability.

This delivery reflects the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders and reiterates the continued development of enabling a disruptive concept for detection and destruction in the field of naval mines.

It also reinforces the strategic partnership between France and the United Kingdom (UK) under the Lancaster House Treaties. It highlights the value of joint defense procurement and operational interoperability in highly critical missions such as safeguarding deterrence and European maritime interests.