DCNS of France, a major naval defense company, is working with a Brazilian firm for a submarine development program.

Under the partnership agreement, Progen -- a consulting engineering and service company -- will play a key role in purchasing locally produced equipment for the Brazilian navy's Prosub submarine development and construction project.

"This agreement confirms our willingness to set up innovative partnerships to better serve international client navies," said Sylvain Rousseau, DCNS's senior vice president, Purchasing and Supplier Relations. "We are also proud to contribute to the growth of the Brazilian naval shipbuilding industry."

Added Progen Chairman Eduardo Barella, "The DCNS decision in our favor shows that we have what it takes to do the job and that we enjoy wide market recognition as such."

The Brazilian navy submarine program involves the design and construction of four Scorpene-type S-Br conventional-propulsion submarines. It includes a technology transfer agreement as well as technical assistance with the design and construction of the non-nuclear portions of Brazil's first nuclear-powered submarine and the design and construction of both a naval shipyard and a submarine base.

CNS said the partnership with Progen will enable it to comply with Brazilian navy requirements regarding local equipment meeting the strictest quality standards and ensure reliable local supply chains while helping DCNS to establish long-term ties with Brazilian companies.

In other DCNS news, the company reports it showcased a full line of products and services, including its The Scorpene submarine and its Subtics combat system, at this week's Defense Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Scorpene is a medium-size submarine that benefits from state-of-the-art technologies -- such as acoustic discretion and combat system performance -- used by French nuclear submarines. Malaysia has ordered the submarine.

Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation Sdn Bhd, a joint venture company between BHIC Defense Technologies Sdn Bhd and DCNS will also provide In Service Support for them.

DCNS said it offers fully integrated combat systems solutions for new and modernization programs and for any type of submarine or surface vessels.

Among surface vessels produced by the company is the Mistral class LHD. The ship, for transporting troop and military cargo, features electric propulsion using azimuth pods and high-level of automation.

It has a 3-D surveillance radar and a Senit 9 combat management system. The third Mistral class LHD for the French navy was delivered ahead of schedule and the construction of the first Mistral class LHD for the Russian navy is under way.

Another vessel is the FREMM multi-mission frigate, which features state-of-the-art systems, including MdCN cruise missiles, Aster anti-air missiles, Exocet MM40 anti-ship missiles and MU90 torpedoes. France has ordered 11 of the ships and one for Morocco is under construction.