Defence: technology and services for mission-critical environments
Defence: technology and services for mission-critical environments
The defence sector is entering a phase of accelerated investment, with growing expectations around capacity, operational readiness and long-term availability.
Armed forces, public authorities and defence industry organisations need partners that can move quickly, sustain performance over time and operate reliably in sensitive environments.
Equans works both directly with armed forces and public authorities and alongside prime contractors, system integrators and specialist manufacturers across the Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB).
From sensitive infrastructure and industrial production to critical communications, intelligence, electronic warfare, optronics and embarked systems (as HVAC, cooling, firefighting, CBRN), we bring together specialist defence expertise and multi-technical capabilities across the full lifecycle.
As defence needs shift towards greater operational readiness, our technologies and services help organisations communicate, protect, monitor, equip and sustain critical capabilities in demanding environments.
Four integrated areas supporting defence missions
Our defence expertise spans four complementary areas, supported across the full lifecycle — from design and installation to commissioning, operations and maintenance.
We support the continuity, safety and resilience of critical defence environments throughout their lifecycle.
Core capabilities
- Power and low-voltage systems
- HVAC, refrigeration and fire protection
- Security and supervision
- Multi-technical construction and maintenance
- Defence nuclear infrastructure
We help defence organisations strengthen production capability, improve industrial efficiency and support the continuity of critical operations.
Core capabilities
- Production lines and industrial processes
- Robotics and automation
- Industrial utilities
- Logistics and material flows
- IT/OT integration
- Predictive maintenance
Core-defence technologies that support operational capability, from critical communications and electronic warfare to optronic surveillance, aerial threat detection and embarked systems.
Core capabilities
- Critical communications and SATCOM
- Intelligence and electronic warfare
- Optronics, surveillance and anti-drone detection
- Embarked HVAC, refrigeration and fire-fighting systems
- Electromagnetic protection and Faraday cages
- Technical and logistical support to operations
Connected, supervised and secure data environments that strengthen system performance and resilience. Across our defence activities, digital capabilities help monitor, secure, optimise and anticipate.
Core capabilities
- Centralised supervision and hypervision
- OT/IT cyber security
- Data and AI for maintenance optimisation
- Digital twins and simulation
- Real-time monitoring of critical equipment
From integration to operational availability
Operational availability depends on consistent support throughout the system lifecycle.
We combine engineering, MRO, logistics, supervision and technical support to help keep critical systems operational over time. Through CNN MCO, this includes naval MRO, systems engineering and critical spare-parts support.
Five priorities supporting defence missions
Our expertise is organised around five operational priorities:
- CommunicateEnsure critical connectivity and secure communications.
- MonitorSupport detection, surveillance and supervision through sensors, optronics and digital systems.
- SustainSupport the long-term availability and reliability of critical systems.
- ProtectHelp secure sensitive environments and strengthen their resilience.
- EquipProvide and integrate the technical systems and equipment required for defence operations.
Specialist defence expertise across Equans
Our Group-wide capabilities are strengthened by specialist defence entities.
Ineo Defence
Critical communications, intelligence sensors, electronic warfare, operational environment protection and logistical support.
CNN MCO
Naval MRO, engineering, maintenance, critical spare parts and operational availability.
Axima Marine / Noske Kaeser
Embarked HVAC, refrigeration, CBRN and fire-fighting systems.
Exavision
Optronic solutions for detection, surveillance and anti-drone applications.
Equans Nuclear
Design, delivery and maintenance of critical nuclear infrastructure.
Together, these capabilities enable us to integrate and sustain technologies across infrastructure, systems and operational support.
Defence expertise across key markets
France — Maritime and coastal surveillance
Exavision supplies long-range optronic surveillance solutions and software for maritime and coastal security.
- 15 systems delivered to date
- NEMOSYS-LR long-range optronic systems
- VIGISENS software suite with radar detection, target designation, video detection and real-time tracking
- Central command-and-control centre connected to remote local sites
- Equipment designed for 24/7 operation in marine environments
France — Fleet support and operational maintenance
CNN MCO supports the operational maintenance of three amphibious helicopter carriers in Toulon — Dixmude, Mistral and Tonnerre — and the BCR Somme in Brest.
- 7-year contract
- 3 PHA + 1 BCR supported
- Global, fixed-price commitment for operational maintenance
- 24/7 expert hotline and remote maintenance
France — Major technical overhaul
CNN MCO carried out a major technical overhaul of the PHA Mistral, combining maintenance, engineering and project coordination.
- 250 interventions per day on average over 21 weeks
- 3.600 engineering hours
- Around 180 workers per day
- More than 150 suppliers and subcontractors involved
- 43-tonne dock gate removed and refitted
- 37-tonne stabiliser fin removed using a 200-tonne crane
- More than 21.000 m² of hull painting
Belgium — Sensitive and nuclear infrastructure
United Kingdom — Sensitive and nuclear infrastructure
Through VIVO Defence Services, Equans supports the UK Defence built estate with asset management, facilities management, project management, construction and maintenance.
- 51,000 buildings
- 5,600 employees
- Services for United States Visiting Forces at 11 UK air bases
Canada — Sensitive and nuclear infrastructure
What sets us apart
Proven core-defence expertise
Recognised expertise across critical communications, electronic warfare, CBRN, optronics, embarked HVAC, radomes and defence nuclear.
Experience in sensitive and classified environments
Expertise shaped by stringent access, safety, confidentiality and continuity requirements, including involvement in three nuclear defence programmes.
A rigorous operational integrator
Specialist technologies and technical disciplines brought together around programme and operational requirements, supporting 13 mission areas.
End-to-end capability
From design and engineering to installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance and modernisation across the full system lifecycle.
Local proximity, international strength
Specialist teams close to bases, ports and sensitive sites, backed by Equans’ international network of technical expertise and strong defence presences in France, Belgium, the UK and the Netherlands.
FAQ
We work across four integrated areas: sensitive and nuclear infrastructure, mission-critical defence systems and equipment, industrial processes and defence production, and Data & Digital.
Yes. Our documented capabilities include critical communications, SATCOM, intelligence and electronic warfare, optronics, embarked systems, CBRN and operational support.
We support systems throughout their lifecycle through engineering, MRO, logistics, supervision, remote support and maintenance.
The Defence message platform identifies Ineo Defence, CNN MCO, Axima Marine / Noske Kaeser, Exavision and Equans Nuclear.
Together, accelerating the future of defence
You need critical infrastructure and systems that can be integrated, secured and kept operational over time. We bring together sensitive infrastructure, mission-critical technologies, industrial expertise and digital capabilities to support defence operations throughout the lifecycle.Together, accelerating the future of defence
You need critical infrastructure and systems that can be integrated, secured and kept operational over time. We bring together sensitive infrastructure, mission-critical technologies, industrial expertise and digital capabilities to support defence operations throughout the lifecycle.