Partnership to Deliver Next-Gen AUV for Mine Countermeasures Program

The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has selected Thales and Exail 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 — a French Armed forces programme, supervised by the DGA, which aims to renew 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.

Jérome Bendell, CEO of Exail Maritime Business Line, commented, “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. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that meets the highest standards of performance and safety for modern naval defence.”

Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, VP Underwater Systems Business Line at Thales, added, “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.”