Exail and KNDS deepen cooperation on autonomous mine countermeasure systems

July 9, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

French companies Exail and KNDS have signed a new framework agreement covering the supply of several hundred equipped warheads for K-Ster mine neutralization systems, strengthening France’s industrial base for autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities as navies seek to expand production of unmanned systems.

The agreement expands the long-standing cooperation between the two companies and is aimed at supporting higher production rates of the K-Ster mine neutralization system, which is designed to remotely destroy naval mines while keeping ships and personnel at a safe distance.

According to Exail, the deal reflects the transition from limited procurement for technology demonstration to large-scale acquisition driven by evolving security challenges and the growing need to protect critical maritime infrastructure.

The K-Ster system combines Exail’s autonomous underwater vehicle technology with KNDS’ expertise in warhead design. Once deployed near a detected mine, the system projects a shaped charge through the water to neutralize the threat without exposing crews to danger.

Exail said the renewed agreement is intended to secure the supply of critical components, sustain high production rates and ensure reliable deliveries to customers worldwide. The companies noted that navies are increasingly seeking to build larger inventories of autonomous mine countermeasure systems as underwater threats become more complex and operational requirements expand.

The partnership between Exail and KNDS dates back to 2008 and has resulted in more than 15 years of operational experience. Over that period, the companies have developed an integrated production chain covering both the autonomous underwater vehicle and its warhead, allowing them to support naval programs with domestically controlled capabilities.

“In the current strategic context, the challenge is not only to have the best mine countermeasure capabilities, but to be able to produce, deliver, and sustain them at the scale required by operations,” said Cyril Hammer, procurement director at Exail.

Hammer added that the renewed agreement strengthens France’s industrial capacity by consolidating an end-to-end national value chain capable of supporting the expansion of naval programs and meeting the increasing demand from navies for autonomous mine countermeasure systems.