Naval Systems

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret

Also known as
  • NARWHAL
  • NARWHAL20
  • Narwhal 20
  • Narwhal 20A
  • Narwhal 20B
  • Narwhal 20B V1
  • Narwhal 20B V2
  • Narwhal RCWS
  • Narwhal RWS
  • 20 mm Narwhal remote-controlled turret
  • NAval Remote Weapon, Highly Accurate, Lightweight

Narwhal is KNDS France's remotely operated 20 mm naval turret family for close-in ship self-defense and maritime-security roles. Official KNDS and MBDA material describes it as a lightweight day/night system for platforms from small patrol boats to frigates, with 20A and 20B ammunition-standard configurations, more than 180 systems in service, demonstrated Akeron MP missile pods, and a future 30 mm growth direction.

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret, 20 mm naval remote weapon station, Naval Systems
Image source: Narwhal RCWS Packs More Punch with New Missile Capability | Naval News

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
France
Built by
KNDS France
Type
20 mm naval remote weapon station

Specifications

Caliber
20 mm
Mount type
Fully stabilized remotely controlled naval weapon station
Manufacturer
KNDS France, formerly Nexter
Integration class
Small patrol boats, light patrollers, frigates, and heavier frigate-class ships
Primary cannon family
20M621 for 20x102 mm Narwhal applications; 20M693 for 20x139 mm Narwhal applications
20A ammunition standard
20x102 mm NATO-standard ammunition with electric primer
20B ammunition standard
20x139 mm ammunition with mechanical primer
Sighting
Day/night sight with laser range finder; KNDS brochure also describes permanent day/night surveillance
20M621 rate of fire
Approximately 750 rounds per minute
20M621 weapon weight
49 kg cannon weight
20x102 mm ammunition performance
About 2,500 m maximum operational range and 1,005 m/s muzzle velocity for KNDS AP-T ammunition
20x139 mm ammunition performance
About 2,000 m maximum operational range and 1,050 m/s muzzle velocity for the KNDS 20x139 mm HEI family listing
Service base
More than 180 systems in service with several navies, according to KNDS France in 2024
Growth options
Akeron MP two-pod missile kit demonstrated in 2022; KNDS described a future 30 mm evolution in 2024
Design And Fire-Control Notes

KNDS and MBDA describe Narwhal as a protected remote weapon station rather than a manually served deck gun. The system combines a stabilized 20 mm gun installation with day/night optronics, laser ranging, and remote operation so a reduced crew can conduct surveillance and fire from under protection.

Heritage

KNDS traces Narwhal to experience with 15A/15B light naval mounts and THL helicopter gun turrets.

Ammunition standards

The 20A and 20B split follows 20x102 mm and 20x139 mm ammunition standards, with KNDS ammunition pages tying those families to 20M621 and 20M693 Narwhal applications.

Growth path

Publicly shown growth paths include the Akeron MP missile-pod kit and KNDS's later 30 mm evolution statement.

Sources: KNDS 2023 Corporate Brochure; 20M621 | KNDS Group; 20x102MM | KNDS Group; 20x139MM | KNDS Group; Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system | MBDA; KNDS France displays its innovative naval artillery systems | KNDS Group.

Variants

Open sources describe Narwhal primarily by ammunition-standard configurations and modernization path rather than separate platform-specific weapon records.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
Narwhal 20A20x102 mm configuration

Naval News describes 20A and 20B as end-user choices by ammunition standard; KNDS identifies 20x102 mm ammunition as qualified on the 20M621 mounted on Narwhal.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News, 20M621 | KNDS Group, 20x102MM | KNDS Group

Narwhal 20B20x139 mm configuration

Naval News describes 20B as the 20x139 mm ammunition-standard version and reports DGA modernization work for French Navy Narwhal 20B mounts; KNDS identifies 20x139 mm ammunition as qualified on the 20M693 mounted on Narwhal.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News, 20x139MM | KNDS Group

Narwhal with Akeron MP podsMissile-augmented demonstrator

MBDA and Nexter presented a kit with two Akeron MP missile pods, control electronics, and an operator terminal, described as installable on any Narwhal version including systems already in service.

Sources: Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system | MBDA

Narwhal 20B V1 / V2French Navy modernization path

Naval News reports a January 2020 DGA contract for V1 qualification and V2 certification and deployment work on French Navy Narwhal 20B systems.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Carrier Platforms

Narwhal is documented across French Navy surface combatants, amphibious ships, aircraft-carrier self-defense fits, and overseas patrol vessels.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
Aquitaine class, Multi-mission frigate class, Naval SystemsAquitaine classMulti-mission frigate

Naval News reported 16 Narwhal 20B systems across the Aquitaine-class FREMM frigates, including the Alsace and Lorraine air-defense FREMM variants.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Mistral-class landing helicopter dock, Landing helicopter dock, Naval SystemsMistral-class landing helicopter dockLanding helicopter dock

Naval News listed six Narwhal 20B systems for the three French Navy Mistral-class landing helicopter docks.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Horizon class / Forbin-class frigate, Air-defense frigate class, Naval SystemsHorizon class / Forbin-class frigateAir-defense frigate

Naval News listed six Narwhal 20B systems for the two French Navy Horizon-class air-defense destroyers.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Charles de Gaulle, Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Naval SystemsCharles de GaulleAircraft carrier

Naval News listed three Narwhal 20B systems on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Confiance-class patrol vessel, Offshore patrol vessel class, Naval SystemsConfiance-class patrol vesselPatrol vessel

Naval News reported modernization studies for Narwhal 20B systems fitted aboard the three La Confiance-class PAG patrol vessels.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Amiral Ronarc'h-class frigate, Multi-role frigate class, Naval SystemsAmiral Ronarc'h-class frigateMulti-role frigate

Naval News reported that Naval Group and Nexter signed to equip the French Navy FDI frigates directly with Narwhal 20B V1 mounts.

Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

Félix Éboué class patrol vessel, Offshore patrol vessel, Naval SystemsFélix Éboué class patrol vesselOffshore patrol vessel

Naval News names the POM class armament as a 20 mm remote-controlled turret, Narwhal by Nexter.

Sources: Video: French Navy's New POM OPV for the Indo-Pacific | Naval News

Timeline

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret Key Events

  1. French Navy selection reported

    Naval News, citing Nexter context, reports that Narwhal 20 was selected by the French Navy in late 2011 for close-in self-defense on FREMM frigates.

    Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

  2. DGA modernization contract for Narwhal 20B

    The French DGA awarded Nexter and Naval Group a contract to modernize Narwhal 20B systems fitted aboard French Navy surface vessels, including V1 qualification and V2 follow-on work.

    Sources: Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval News

  3. Akeron MP missile-kit configuration presented

    Nexter and MBDA presented a Narwhal configuration with two Akeron MP missile pods, associated control electronics, and an operator terminal at Euronaval 2022.

    Sources: Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system | MBDA

  4. KNDS describes in-service base and 30 mm evolution

    KNDS France stated that more than 180 Narwhal systems were in service in several navies and described a development direction toward a 30 mm cannon version for anti-drone warfare.

    Sources: KNDS France displays its innovative naval artillery systems | KNDS Group

Media

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret Videos

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret Images

Narwhal 20 mm remote-controlled turret, 20 mm naval remote weapon station, Naval Systems - view 1
Source: Narwhal RCWS Packs More Punch with New Missile Capability | Naval News
Related Weapon Systems
20mm GIAT M693 autocannon, French 20 mm autocannon chambered for 20x139mm NATO rounds, Infantry WeaponsInfantry Weapons20mm GIAT M693 autocannonFrench 20 mm autocannon chambered for 20x139mm NATO roundsThe GIAT M693 is a French 20 mm autocannon family developed for armored-vehicle, anti-aircraft, and naval mount applications. Specialist references trace the gun to the earlier M621 mechanism but a larger 20x139 mm NATO cartridge, dual-belt feed, and about 900 rounds per minute. The catalog keeps it as a relationship-only component page because public sources most clearly document the M693 through host platforms and derivatives: AMX-10P vehicles, naval 20F2 mounts, Narwhal 20B turrets, and the South African GI2 production variant.
Félix Éboué class patrol vessel, Offshore patrol vessel, Naval SystemsNaval SystemsFélix Éboué class patrol vesselOffshore patrol vesselThe Félix Éboué class patrol vessel, also known as the Patrouilleur Outre-Mer (POM), is France's six-ship overseas offshore patrol vessel program for sovereignty, maritime surveillance, law-enforcement, environmental-protection, and rescue missions in distant EEZs. Built by Socarenam with CNN MCO support and designed by MAURIC, the class is distributed across Nouméa, Papeete, and La Réunion and combines diesel-electric propulsion, a 5,500 nm range, a 24-knot top speed, UAV integration, and a 20 mm Narwhal remote weapon station for extended Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean patrol work.
Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), Mobile coastal anti-ship missile system, Naval SystemsNaval SystemsHarpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS)Mobile coastal anti-ship missile systemHarpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS) is a land-based Harpoon launch-system package built around mobile launcher transporter units, radar trucks, command-and-launch equipment, and RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II missiles. U.S. records identify Boeing as the principal contractor for Taiwan's HCDS sale, document follow-on launcher and missile-package contracts, and separately record two Harpoon coastal defense systems funded for Ukraine after Russia's full-scale invasion.

Sources

Narwhal RCWS Packs More Punch with New Missile Capability | Naval NewsPublisher: Naval News | Note: Supports Narwhal's 20 mm remote-operated turret description, French and export service context, gun range, Akeron MP missile demonstration, and image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-02KNDS France displays its naval artillery systems at Euronaval 2024 | Naval NewsPublisher: Naval News | Note: Supports KNDS France manufacturer context, the 20 mm Narwhal turret fit, integration on light patrollers and heavier frigates, the reported in-service count, and image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Video: French Navy's New POM OPV for the Indo-Pacific | Naval NewsPublisher: Naval News | Note: Supports the Félix Éboué class patrol vessel mounting a 20 mm Narwhal remote-controlled turret. | Accessed: 2026-07-02KNDS France displays its innovative naval artillery systems | KNDS GroupPublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Supports official KNDS context for Narwhal as a 20 mm remote-controlled turret, its light-patroller and frigate integration, reported in-service base, and 30 mm evolution direction. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Euronaval 2022: Nexter and MBDA present the new NARWHAL turret equipped with the AKERON MP missile system | MBDAPublisher: MBDA | Note: Supports the Narwhal acronym, 20 mm remote turret role, small-patrol-boat to frigate integration, day/night sight, laser range finder, 20M621 gun, more-than-2,000 m effectiveness, Akeron MP pod configuration, and official image context. | Accessed: 2026-07-0220M621 | KNDS GroupPublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Supports the 20M621 cannon as a KNDS gas-operated 20 mm gun used on the Narwhal mount, including firing modes, 20x102 mm ammunition, rate of fire, recoil, feed, priming, and cannon weight. | Accessed: 2026-07-0220x102MM | KNDS GroupPublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Supports 20x102 mm ammunition qualified on the 20M621 mounted on Narwhal and gives ammunition characteristics including cartridge mass, projectile mass, range, muzzle velocity, dispersion, and electric primer. | Accessed: 2026-07-0220x139MM | KNDS GroupPublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Supports 20x139 mm ammunition qualified on the 20M693 mounted on Narwhal and gives ammunition characteristics including cartridge mass, projectile mass, range, muzzle velocity, dispersion, and mechanical primer. | Accessed: 2026-07-02KNDS 2023 Corporate BrochurePublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Supports Narwhal design heritage from light naval gun mounts and helicopter turret technology, permanent day/night surveillance, reduced protected crew operation, and 20 mm gun role. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Nexter & Naval Group to Upgrade Narwhal RWS on all French Navy Vessels | Naval NewsPublisher: Naval News | Note: Supports Narwhal 20B modernization, 20A/20B ammunition-standard framing, French Navy selection context, and Narwhal 20B integration across French Navy Aquitaine-class FREMM frigates, Mistral-class LHDs, Horizon-class air-defense destroyers, Charles de Gaulle, La Confiance-class patrol vessels, FDI frigates, and planned POM patrol vessels. | Accessed: 2026-07-02French destroyer rescues Sounion crew and destroys drone boat | AP NewsPublisher: Associated Press | Note: Supports 2023 Red Sea Crisis direct-use context by reporting that a French destroyer rescued Sounion's crew and destroyed a bomb-carrying drone boat in the area. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Mer Rouge: une fregate francaise a detruit un drone de surface menacant le Sounion | Opex360Publisher: Opex360 | Note: Supports 2023 Red Sea Crisis Narwhal-use context by assessing that imagery from the Sounion rescue indicated the French frigate probably used one of its 20 mm Narwhal guns against the hostile surface drone. | Accessed: 2026-07-02Euronaval 2022: Nexter exhibits its new naval turrets | KNDS GroupPublisher: KNDS Group | Note: Official KNDS press release supporting Narwhal with Akeron pod demonstration context and image provenance for the displayed turret. | Accessed: 2026-07-02