Exail lands contract to deliver light MCM systems to European navy

July 16, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

French maritime robotics specialist Exail has secured a contract from an undisclosed European navy to deliver three light mine countermeasures (MCM) systems designed for rapid deployment from rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs).

Under the contract, Exail will integrate its unmanned MCM integrated system (UMIS) technology into 9.5-meter RHIBs, creating compact mine warfare platforms capable of supporting mine identification and disposal missions with a minimal logistical footprint.

Each RHIB will be equipped to deploy a configurable mix of three Seascan mine identification vehicles and K-Ster mine disposal systems, allowing operators to tailor the payload to specific mission requirements.

The boats will also feature a dedicated drone piloting console, a launch-and-recovery station, and Exail’s Gaps ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning and communication system.

Powered by Exail’s Umisoft mission management software, the system can be operated by a crew of just three personnel. The company said the modular configuration has been specifically developed for very shallow waters and infrastructure-constrained areas where conventional mine countermeasures vessels cannot operate, enabling explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams to rapidly deploy and adapt equipment for different operational scenarios.

“Navies need MCM capabilities that are faster to deploy, easier to operate, and ready for increasingly complex maritime threats. This contract demonstrates the value of our UMIS approach: a modular system tailored to each customer’s operational needs while maintaining the reliability expected from modern mine warfare solutions,” Gregory Leclercq, Business Developer at Exail.

Although not included in the current order, the RHIB-based platform has been designed with growth potential. According to Exail, it can also accommodate additional payloads, including the company’s A9-M autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), R7 remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and small third-party unmanned aerial vehicles.

The award underscores the growing demand for lighter, rapidly deployable mine countermeasures capabilities as navies seek to complement traditional MCM vessels with modular unmanned systems that can operate closer to shore, in ports, and around critical maritime infrastructure.