Thales and Exail partner to deliver next-generation mine detection autonomous underwater vehicle for French Navy’s SLAMF Mine Countermeasures programme

Wednesday, November 06 2024

Thales and Exail have been selected by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to deliver eight, plus eight more in option, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV). This extended version of the A18-M AUV will integrate the SAMDIS 600 sonar for the SLAMF program (the French Armed forces programme, supervised by the DGA, which aims at renewing the French Navy mine warfare capabilities with massive use of unmanned systems).

Thales’s new compact SAMDIS sonar is optimised for the detection of all naval mine threats, down to deeper waters. Featuring a unique advanced multi-view capability, it captures images from multiple angles in a single pass. Integrated with the MiMAP sonar data analysis software and AI-driven algorithms, the SAMDIS 600 achieves exceptionally high detection and classification probabilities, delivering superior performance, which increases operational tempo and efficiency.

Based on an extended version of Exail’s A18-M AUV, with its long-range precision and stealth, and its ability to operate in challenging environments, this AUV is a sea-proven vehicle, designed to embed sonar for the detection and classification of maritime mines. Exail is responsible for developing the AUV’s fully autonomous capabilities and integrating, closely with Thales, the SAMDIS sonar technology.

Integrated within the MMCM toolbox by Thales, the A18-M AUV and the SAMDIS 600 will deliver superior performance for the benefit of the French Navy, ensuring the safety of assets and personnel, and enhancing the efficiency of mine countermeasure (MCM) missions.

“Mine Countermeasures is among the first military fields to fully transition to third-generation MCM capabilities with autonomous, drone-based systems. This is the core mission of the SLAMF programme, and Exail, a specialist in naval drones, is proud to contribute with its extended version of the A18-M AUV”, said Jérome Bendell, CEO of Exail Maritime Business Line. Adding that “This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that meets the highest standards of performance and safety for modern naval defence.”

“The proliferation of sea mines and their sophistication make data collection and advanced analysis all the more necessary to counter these terrible threats. Today, autonomous mine countermeasures systems offer greater efficiency, while protecting crews from the dangers of minefields. With the new SAMDIS 600 procured in the frame of the SLAMF, the most innovative mine countermeasure programme, Thales is proud to help operators in their decision-making for the benefit of their missions.” said Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, VP Underwater Systems Business Line, Thales.

About Exail

Exail is a leading high-tech industrial company specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Exail delivers unrivaled performance, reliability and safety to its civil and defense clients operating in severe environments. From the deep sea to outer space, Exail expands their capabilities with a full range of robust in-house manufactured components, products, and systems.

Employing a workforce of 1800 people worldwide, the company benefits from a global footprint and conducts its business in over 80 countries. Exail was formed by ECA Group and iXblue joining forces in 2022. It is a subsidiary of Exail Technologies, a family-owned company specialized in high-technology. www.exail.com