naval-forces-focus-french-technology

5Mer et Marine2014-2015 « INTERNATIONAL SHOWS Editorial «"Human endeavour will inexorably turnto the seas," said General de Gaulle in1969. "Men will seek knowledge andwealth in the oceans, and naturallynations will struggle for maritimedominance to control the resourcesthat lie therein."Visionary words indeed. As we depletethe planet's resources on land, weare turning to the seas to exploittheir oil and gas, precious metalsand rare earths, fisheries and energysources. This enormous potentialmakes the maritime space a strategicresource in its own right, a key reservefor a burgeoning population and amuch needed engine of economicgrowth. The blue revolution is a hugeopportunity for humanity – and a majorsource of strife. As dozens of nationsclamour to extend their exclusiveeconomic zones, tensions are rising.Territorial disputes and incidents at seaare on the rise in some regions and therisk of future conflicts is real.The world economy is totallydependent on shipping. With 50,000commercial vessels plying the oceanswith their cargoes of raw materials andconsumer goods, maritime transportis the primary driver of globalisationand world trade. This rising tide ofcommerce is nowhere near its peak:maritime freight volumes, which havealready grown five-fold in the last 30years, are expected to double by 2020.But maritime transport has an Achillesheel. This golden age will only surviveif shipping can move freely throughstrategic zones like the Gulf of Aden,the Strait of Hormuz and the SuezCanal. Regional crises and the threatof piracy and terrorism extract a heavytoll on all whose livelihoods dependon maritime trade and exploitingmarine resources.Nations equip their naval forces andmaritime agencies not only to protectterritorial waters but to safeguardsupply chains and strategic interests.From patrol vessels to aircraft carriers,from commando boats to amphibiousassault ships – not to mentionsubmarines and guided missiledestroyers – maritime dominancecomes in all shapes and sizes. Navalpower may be visible or discreet. Itmay be used as a deterrent to supporta country's diplomatic efforts. Buthowever a naval force is structured,strength at sea is considered a strategicnecessity. With major programmesunder way in China, India and Brazil,among others, rising powers evidentlybelieve that capable navies can make adifference in today's world.France is one of the world's greatmaritime nations. With an exclusiveeconomic zone spanning 11 millionsquare kilometres, France maintainsa presence in all the seas and oceansand is leading the way in naval andmaritime affairs. The French maritimeindustry includes some of the biggestnames in commercial shipbuilding,offshore oil & gas, marine scienceand research, and marine renewableenergy. In naval defence, Frenchexpertise is internationally acclaimed:the breadth of capabilities of theFrench naval industry is unrivalled inEurope, and French technologies areamong the world's most advanced .From simple software tools to complexwarships, French industry offersinternational customers the broadestrange of naval solutions and servicescombining cost-effective equipmentand French technologies with thebenefits of constant innovation anda unique understanding of operationalrequirements.France's naval defence industry is alsoleading the way in technology transferprogrammes, helping client countriesto build strong local industries andtechnical skills. France is committedto sharing its Navy's operationalexperience so that partners and alliesare not only among the best equippedin the world but also have the besttrained personnel to deploy theirnaval capabilities. «Vincent GROIZELEAUEditor-in-chief, Mer et Marine© MARINE NATIONALE