An unnamed “leading defence research organisation” has bought an Exail uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for research into technology to counter aerial drones.
The maritime technology and robotics firm has sold one of its DriX H-9 USVs, which it says is set to be equipped by the customer for Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) missions.
President of Exail Defense Systems Marine Slingue commented: “This new contract illustrates how Exail’s uncrewed surface vessels are becoming key enablers for future defence concepts.
“By adapting the DriX Series to new missions such as CUAS, we’re demonstrating how uncrewed systems can enhance operational agility and resilience across all domains.”
Exail’s dual-use DriX H-9 platform has already been sold to clients seeking to use it for a variety of commercial applications, including hydrography. Other potential defence uses include maritime security and domain awareness missions.
The 9-metre USV is capable of speeds of up to 13 knots and has a range of about 2,000 nautical miles and a cited endurance of up to 20 days.
It can be equipped with a variety of payloads including echo-sounders, side-scan sonars, and towed sensors via an aft-mounted launch and recovery system (LARS).
The firm noted: “This is the second DriX H-9 order in just a few months for defence applications, confirming the growing momentum of Exail’s USV solutions in the defence sector.”
- You can read more details on the Exail website