Belgium and the Netherlands have jointly commissioned underwater drones worth €60 million from French weapons developer Exail Technologies, marking a significant upgrade in their naval capabilities.
The deal, reported by l’Echo on Friday, represents the largest order Exail Technologies has ever received for its K-STER drones.
The order comprises “several hundred K-STER drones” designed for underwater mine detection and neutralisation. These drones will enhance the naval fleets‘ ability to conduct comprehensive de-mining operations, a crucial aspect of maintaining maritime security.
The K-STER drones, which form part of Exail’s Single Management System (Umis), are deployed in the final phase of missions to neutralise underwater threats detected by other drones within the system.
Exail Technologies describes the K-STER as disposable drones equipped with an explosive charge and a controllable head. They are designed to be destroyed in the mine neutralisation process, ensuring that the threat is completely eliminated.
This capability is vital for safe and effective de-mining operations, reducing the risk to naval personnel and ships. The mass production of these drones will take place in Ostend, Belgium, where Exail Technologies established an assembly site in 2022.
The order includes not only the delivery of the drones but also spare parts, maintenance, and upgrades, ensuring the fleets have the necessary support to keep the drones operational over their service life.
This procurement follows a similar agreement from May 2019, when Belgium and the Netherlands ordered 12 de-mining vessels – six for each country.
These vessels were provided by the ECA Group, which at the time included Exail Technologies and another French developer, Naval Group.
This continued collaboration highlights the strong defence ties between the neighbouring countries and their commitment to enhancing their naval capabilities through advanced technology.
The investment in K-STER drones reflects the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval operations.
These drones offer a safer and more efficient means of detecting and neutralising underwater mines, a task traditionally performed by manned vessels and divers, which carry higher risks.
By integrating these advanced systems into their fleets, Belgium and the Netherlands are positioning themselves at the forefront of naval de-mining technology.
The new drones are expected to significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Belgian and Dutch navies, providing them with a robust tool to ensure maritime security in their waters and beyond.
The ability to detect and neutralise mines swiftly and safely is crucial for maintaining open and secure sea lanes, which are vital for global trade and naval operations.
The deal also underscores the strategic importance of Ostend as a hub for advanced defence manufacturing. The establishment of the assembly site in 2022 has enabled Exail Technologies to ramp up production and meet the demands of this significant order.
This investment in local production capabilities not only supports the delivery of the current order but also positions Ostend as a key site for future defence technology developments.
As Belgium and the Netherlands continue to enhance their naval capabilities, the commissioning of these K-STER drones marks a significant step forward in their efforts to maintain maritime security and operational readiness in an increasingly complex and challenging security environment.
