NATO contracts Exail Robotics Belgium for Underwater Mine Disposal Systems.

According to a PR published by Exail on August 27, 2024, the company has secured a €60 million contract from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply underwater mine disposal vehicles and associated equipment.
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K-Ster C underwater mine disposal vehicle. (Picture source: Exail)

The contract covers the delivery of K-Ster C mine disposal vehicles, K-Ster CT training vehicles, and related equipment, primarily intended for use by the Belgian and Royal Netherlands navies.

The K-Ster C units, along with their training variants, will be assembled at Exail’s production facility in Oostende, Belgium. This facility, inaugurated in 2022, is already actively involved in producing a range of drones for the Belgian and Royal Netherlands navies as part of a broader modernization effort to enhance Mine Counter Measure (MCM) capabilities.

The K-Ster C mine disposal vehicle is designed to effectively neutralize various types of mines. It is characterized by its compact, lightweight design, allowing for easy deployment and operation.

Equipped with a powerful shaped charge, the K-Ster C ensures precise targeting and detonation of mines, contributing to the safe and efficient clearance of minefields. The K-Ster CT variant, designed specifically for training purposes, features an inert warhead to facilitate realistic training without the risks associated with live ordnance.

Exail Robotics Belgium's extensive experience in developing mine countermeasure systems spans over four decades, with the K-Ster series already in service with several navies worldwide.

The K-Ster can be integrated into Exail’s broader Unmanned Mine Countermeasure Integrated System (UMIS), which includes a range of unmanned vehicles, such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), towed vehicles, and mine identification and disposal remotely operated vehicles (MIDS ROVs).