The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has placed an order worth 60 million euros with technology group Exail Robotics Belgium that is based in Ostend (West Flanders). The company specialises in building high-tech underwater drones for demining sea mines. The drones are mainly intended for Belgian and Dutch naval forces.
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NATO orders 60 million euros worth of high-tech demining drones from Ostend company
Colin Clapson
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K-Ster C underwater drones are specialised unmanned underwater vehicles (ROVs, Remotely Operated Vehicles) used for maritime operations, more specifically for detecting and destroying sea mines.
These drones were developed by a French company, ECA Group, which made a name for itself thanks to its technologies for underwater robotics and autonomous systems. The drones will be built by the Ostend-based company Exail Robotics.
The €60 million contract also includes training materials and equipment.
Suicide drones
The K-Ster C is specifically designed for mine-hunting missions. It is a suicide drone, meaning that once used, it is lost during the destruction of a target. The drone is guided towards a discovered mine, after which it attaches itself to the mine and defuses it with an explosive.
The Ostend plant, which opened in 2022, is already building several different types of drones for the Belgian and Dutch navies. It is an important part of the company's innovation programme, and it is now bearing fruit.
‘We are very pleased to continue to support the Belgian Navy, the Royal Dutch Navy and their NATO allies with our advanced mine clearance technology,’ says Antony Penn, Chief Commercial Officer at Exail.
‘This new contract is evidence of our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for demining operations. With our purpose-built facility in Ostend, we are already fully equipped to deliver these new systems.’
Belgium world leader in combating mines
The Belgian navy plays an important role in mine clearance, both nationally and internationally. Belgium has an important coastline and world class seaports, making the safety of maritime routes and ports of great significance. The Belgian navy specialises in detecting, locating and destroying sea mines to ensure safe passage for shipping.
During the First and Second World Wars, sea mines were often used to damage or destroy enemy ships. Many of these mines were left behind after the war and still pose a danger. As a result, the Belgian navy has built up extensive expertise in mine clearance.
The Belgian navy has a specialised fleet of minehunters and minesweepers. These are ships equipped with advanced technologies including sonar, underwater drones and explosive ordnance disposal units to locate and neutralise mines.
Belgium is also actively involved in international partnerships like the western military alliance NATO and regularly participates in joint exercises and operations focused on combating mines. The Belgian navy works closely with other NATO countries to share knowledge and technologies, like the K-Ster C, and to combat mines in international waters.