UAE Navy Boosts Maritime Security with Exail's Advanced Unmanned Mine Countermeasures System

In a strategic move to enhance maritime security, the UAE Navy has awarded a significant contract to the French company Exail to provide its state-of-the-art UMIS (Unmanned Integrated Mine Countermeasures System) 3rd Generation technology. This cutting-edge system represents a leap forward in mine countermeasure (MCM) capabilities, specifically designed to locate, identify, and neutralize underwater mines remotely. Given the UAE’s geographical position and its strategic maritime interests, the advanced UMIS technology will be a powerful asset in securing safe navigation across critical regional waters.

Exail's UMIS 3rd Generation: A Technological Edge in Mine Countermeasures

Exail, recognized globally for its expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, and naval technology, brings the 3rd Generation UMIS to the UAE Navy with several standout features tailored to the complexities of underwater defense. The system combines sophisticated drones, sonar, and sensor technology capable of operating in challenging conditions, while its unmanned nature enhances safety by keeping personnel out of harm’s way. This integration of autonomous technology aligns with the UAE Navy’s focus on enhancing operational safety and expanding its naval reach.

The UMIS system includes:

• Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles: Autonomous and remotely operated vehicles that work together to map and monitor underwater environments with precision.
• High-Frequency Sonar Systems: Advanced sonar capabilities allow the UMIS to detect mines at different depths and locate them with high accuracy.
• Autonomous Mission Planning: The system offers sophisticated mission planning software that enables personnel to set autonomous paths for unmanned vehicles, adapting to mission requirements on-the-fly.

Strengthening UAE-Exail Relations

Exail’s ongoing collaboration with the UAE Navy dates back to 2004, marking two decades of shared innovation and trust in maritime defense. With the UMIS contract, Exail’s CEO of Maritime Business Line, Jérôme Bendell, highlighted the stiff international competition Exail faced to secure this deal, reflecting both the significance of this partnership and the UAE’s commitment to sourcing the most effective defense solutions. “We are proud to have been selected by the UAE Navy,” Bendell said, underscoring the value this system will bring to UAE maritime operations.

Why Unmanned Mine Countermeasures Matter

Mines pose a persistent threat in many naval regions, especially in the Gulf. With heavy maritime traffic and key chokepoints, the UAE must safeguard its waters from these hidden hazards. The UMIS system offers the UAE Navy not only the ability to detect and clear mines more safely and effectively but also to respond to new threats with greater agility.

This contract signifies the UAE Navy's investment in autonomy-driven defense solutions, positioning it among a select group of nations that leverage robotic systems to safeguard national waters. The partnership between Exail and the UAE Navy highlights a broader trend in modern military technology, where unmanned systems continue to redefine defense strategy and operational effectiveness in complex maritime environments.