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Revolutionary drone technology is poised to transform naval warfare beneath the waves, according to French admirals. The French naval industry is leading the way in developing drones for both above and below the sea, with many modern navies recognizing the urgent need to embrace this change. Retired Rear Admiral Guillaume Merveilleux du Vignaux warns that failing to keep pace could lead to defeat, stating, "If you're too slow, you die."

He emphasizes the urgency of adapting, as others are moving ahead without waiting. The integration of crewed warships with fleets of drone warships and submarines is being dubbed the "fifth generation" of warfare, enhancing strategic capabilities. This "hybrid fleet" is especially crucial given the shifting geopolitical landscape, with maritime chokepoints in regions like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea becoming high-risk areas.

French naval vessels such as the Seaquest uncrewed surface vessel and submarine-like Drix are already in production, equipped to detect threats and provide surveillance. The future of unmanned submarines is also advancing, with systems that allow drones to be launched from their torpedo tubes. While drones offer significant cost savings and can operate in areas manned vessels cannot, retired Vice Admiral Merveilleux cautions that they are not invulnerable to harsh sea conditions, suggesting a balanced approach combining human crews and robots for optimal protection.