Thales and Exail will partner to deliver next-generation autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) mine detection capabilities for the French Navy’s SLAMF Mine Countermeasures programme after the French defence procurement agency (DGA) selected them to deliver eight AUVs. The deal also includes options for another eight.
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 to renew the French Navy mine warfare capabilities with the massive use of unmanned systems).
Thales’s new compact SAMDIS sonar is optimised to detect 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 Mi-MAP sonar data analysis software and artificial intelligence-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 detecting and classifying 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,” said Exail’s Jérome Bendell. “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. 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,” said Thales’ Gwendoline Blandin-Roger. “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 to benefit their missions.”
