Exail, L&T partner on Indian Navy’s MCMVs program

May 18, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

L&T has entered a strategic collaboration with France-based Exail to deliver an unmanned mine countermeasure (MCM) suite for the Indian Navy’s Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) program.

Illustration: Former minesweeper INS Kozhikode; Credit: Indian Navy via Facebook

As informed, L&T and Exail will together provide the Indian Navy with an unmanned MCM suite, incorporating autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines in a safe, stand-off manner.

Specifically, L&T, as the prime contractor, will offer the technology to all shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s upcoming program for 12 mine countermeasure vessels. Exail will serve as the technology partner.

“This partnership brings together L&T, with its extensive defence products legacy and maritime capabilities, and Exail, a global leader in unmanned maritime systems and mine warfare technologies. Exail contributes decades of proven operational expertise, while L&T leverages its strengths in defence engineering, indigenous manufacturing, complex system integration and lifecycle support,” commenting on the development, Arun Ramchandani, Senior VP & Head -Precision Engineering & Systems, L&T, said.

“We are proud to partner with L&T on this strategic programme for the Indian Navy. Beyond delivering a proven unmanned mine countermeasures capability, this collaboration also reflects a shared ambition to support the long-term development of sovereign unmanned maritime systems in India,” Jérôme Bendell, CEO – Maritime Systems Business Line, Exail, stated.

“By combining Exail’s operational expertise with L&T’s strong industrial and integration capabilities, we see significant potential to contribute to the local development and production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems.”

The collaboration represents a major step towards strengthening India’s mine countermeasure capabilities, enhancing maritime security and reinforcing Indo-French defence cooperation.