Belgian Navy embraces drone technology at REPMUS24 Exercise in Portugal.

According to information published by the Belgian MoD on October 1, 2024, the Belgian Navy participated in the REPMUS24 international exercise in Portugal, joining other NATO nations and technology companies to test unmanned maritime systems.
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Unmanned aircraft system UMS Skeldar at REPMUS 2024. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)

REPMUS is not a typical naval exercise. It serves as an annual gathering of NATO members, scientists, and leading technology firms, all focused on experimenting with groundbreaking autonomous systems. This year’s exercise placed a particular emphasis on unmanned systems like drones and autonomous vessels, capable of tasks ranging from mine detection to drug interdiction and search-and-rescue missions. The 2024 edition saw participation from 26 navies, alongside over 30 scientific institutions and companies.

Belgium's Very Shallow Water (VSW) team played a significant role in the exercise. Specializing in mine detection in shallow waters, the team used an underwater drone to locate hidden objects on the seabed. After conducting initial surveys, the team assessed the objects and investigated them further using drones with cameras or divers. The team also tested new technology to improve the efficiency of their operations, significantly speeding up tasks that once took hours of manual labor.

During the exercise, emerging systems were also tested that will be deployed on Belgium’s future mine countermeasure vessels. In partnership with industry and academia, Belgium's defense forces are researching technologies for detecting floating mines, with earlier tests having been conducted on drones equipped with advanced sensor and camera systems.

Given the differences between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean—especially in terms of visibility, wind, and currents—REPMUS24 provided a critical opportunity to test floating mine detection in challenging conditions.

Belgian Navy unmanned systems

The Belgian Navy is advancing its use of unmanned systems, with particular emphasis on improving mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities. Through the rMCM (replacement Mine Countermeasures) program, Belgium, in collaboration with the Netherlands, is replacing its older minehunters with new vessels that are equipped with a range of unmanned systems. These systems, which include underwater, surface, and aerial drones, are designed to enhance the detection and disposal of underwater mines. Each navy will receive six vessels, with the Belgian ships expected to be operational by 2024​.

Additionally, the Belgian Navy has incorporated the Exail R7 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) into its fleet. This ROV, specifically designed for EOD missions, can operate in various underwater conditions up to a depth of 300 meters. It is equipped with advanced sonar, positioning systems, and cameras, which enable it to conduct inspections and neutralize underwater explosive threats. This acquisition complements other unmanned technologies being integrated into Belgium's maritime defense, including the K-STER mine disposal system​.