Paving the Way for New Technologies: FTMC Signs Memorandum with French Defence Company Naval Group

Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC) is taking an important step towards the development of advanced technologies: on 19 May in Vilnius, FTMC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French naval defence industry leader Naval Group.

The document was signed by FTMC Director, Prof. Dr Ramūnas Skaudžius and Naval Group Northern Europe Director, Jérôme Sena. He was accompanied by Naval Group R&D Expert Christophe Cognard. The meeting was also attended by Karolis Stašys Ph.D., Head of Defence Projects at FTMC.

The French company designs, builds and maintains naval vessels and deploys cutting-edge defence systems. By signing the MoU, FTMC joins Naval Group SHIELD Lab initiative in Lithuania, which aims to foster maritime innovation through collaboration between universities, research centres, SMEs, and industry leaders. The initiative currently includes the Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, Klaipėda University, Kaunas University of Technology, and FTMC.

The new laboratory will be dedicated to developing new technologies for fleet upgrades and beyond, navalising the Lithuanian know-how in drones, laser systems and counter-UAS technologies and spinning off innovation into operational and market-ready solutions. It will also build partnerships with international initiatives, with the aim of becoming a significant player in Europe’s defence innovation ecosystem.

“Sovereignty is built at home, and so is innovation. FTMC and Naval Group are united by a shared vision and mutual trust, enabling us to work toward the creation of a joint laboratory in Lithuania, focused on next-generation naval defence and dual-use technologies,” says Naval Group representative Jérôme Sena.

(Christophe Cognard, Jérôme Sena (Naval Group), and Dr Karolis Stašys (FTMC). Photo: FTMC)

“Naval Group is a well-recognised name not only in Europe but worldwide. This joint initiative demonstrates a clear intention to collaborate and explore concrete opportunities. We aim to assess the value we can bring through innovation, as well as how Naval Group can further advance its manufacturing and solutions to a higher technological level. At the same time, we believe our research and development activities, solutions and inventions can contribute to their projects.

In the current context, defence is of particular importance – it is increasingly clear that security depends on advanced technologies. FTMC has already begun testing initial technological solutions with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, and we are aiming to take the next step,” says FTMC Director Prof. Dr Ramūnas Skaudžius.

The purpose of the MoU is to define the principles of cooperation under which Naval Group and FTMC will jointly identify and develop R&D topics that may lead to concrete projects. The Parties will collaborate by proposing projects, discussing their implementation, negotiating potential contractual terms, and addressing any issues that may arise. Where appropriate, the establishment of joint ventures may also be considered.

Following the signing and discussions, Dr Karolis Stašys introduced the guests to several of the Center’s laboratories, presenting ongoing research and technological development in areas such as ship radar signal detection systems, anti-radar camouflage, cascade lasers, optoelectronic solutions, and systems designed to improve mortar performance.

Source: FTMC