The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has selected Exail to develop an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) capable of operating at depths of up to 6,000 metres for the French Navy. This AUV will enhance France’s ability to explore and monitor the seabed, in line with the country’s growing focus on seabed control as part of its 2030 investment plan.
The French Navy’s initiative is tied to a broader seabed warfare strategy, which aims to safeguard France’s sovereignty, security, and strategic interests. The Ministerial Strategy for Seabed Warfare, established in 2022, outlines three key objectives: acquiring knowledge of the seabed, monitoring it, and taking necessary action. As part of this strategy, the French Navy will extend its operational depth to 6,000 metres by acquiring new AUVs for reconnaissance and surveillance, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for other tasks.
Exail’s AUV will be based on the Ulyx platform, originally co-developed with the French national institute for ocean science, Ifremer. Ulyx successfully reached a depth of 6,000 metres in trials conducted in late 2023. This new version will build on existing technologies and be customised to meet the specific requirements of the French Navy. Its primary functions will include seabed reconnaissance and the monitoring of critical underwater infrastructure, such as submarine cables.
“We are honoured to have been chosen by the French government to develop this 6,000-metre AUV, which will enable the French Navy to carry out the strategy of the Ministry of the Armed Forces,” said Jérome Bendell, Managing Director of Maritime Systems Division at Exail. “We are extremely proud of this recognition of our technological expertise in seabed warfare, and to contribute to strengthening national sovereignty.”
The AUV, which draws on Exail’s 40 years of experience in deep-sea technology, will integrate various components designed by the company, including a Phins inertial navigation system and acoustic sensors. It will also have the flexibility to incorporate sensors from other suppliers, ensuring adaptability for different mission requirements. The AUV, known as the A6K-M, is the first in Exail’s A6K range of deep-sea AUVs.
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