Exail to supply robotic mine countermeasure systems to Singapore Navy

High-tech company Exail Technologies has been awarded contracts to deliver multiple robotic systems in the field of mine countermeasures to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

Exail has a longstanding relationship with the RSN, having previously equipped first-generation mine-hunter vessels and supplied expendable underwater drones over the years. This collaboration continues with the integration of next-generation systems.

As part of the program, the RSN will deploy SWIFT 18 unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) supplied by local partner ST Engineering. These USVs will be equipped with several systems provided by Exail, including:

• Inertial navigation systems,
• Underwater acoustic positioning systems,
• Forward-looking sonars developed by Exail.

In addition, the motherships will feature navigation systems from Exail.

For mine clearance missions, the USVs will carry Exail’s mine identification and disposal systems (MIDS), which include:

• SEASCAN underwater drones for identification,
• Expendable K-STER drones for mine neutralization,
• UMISOFT control and command software,
• Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS).

The USVs will also be capable of towing a sonar system provided by a French manufacturer, which will interface with Exail’s navigation and positioning technologies.

These systems are intended to enhance the RSN’s operational mine clearance capabilities while minimizing risks to personnel. Production of the drones will take place at Exail’s assembly facility in Ostend, Belgium.

Exail is also engaged in discussions with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region for similar mine countermeasure solutions. Additional contracts may be concluded in the near future.

To remind, in February this year, Exail received a contract to supply several autonomous drone systems for underwater mine warfare to ‘a leading navy’. Earlier on, the company was awarded a contract to supply mine countermeasures system to the UAE Navy.