Paving the way for safer seas: key milestones in the rMCM program for Belgium and the Netherlands

The rMCM (replacement Mine Countermeasures) program marks a significant leap forward in naval mine warfare capabilities for the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navies. Launched in 2019, the Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium—comprising Naval Group and ECA Group (now Exail)—was contracted to deliver 12 Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels, around 100 cutting-edge drones and C2 containers. The program aims to enhance operational safety and efficiency through advanced unmanned systems.

As of 2024, the program has reached several key milestones, including the production of the first two sets of tools , the successful launch and testing of the first of series unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), ongoing trials of the various underwaters drones, and the initiation of crew training for the first Belgian MCM vessel. These achievements mark significant progress toward full system deployment by 2025.

UNMANNED SOLUTIONS FOR SAFER MINE CLEARANCE OPERATIONS

The rMCM contract introduces a cutting-edge stand-off approach to mine warfare, utilizing advanced robotic technologies to protect naval personnel from hazardous environments. Each MCM vessel acts as a mothership, equipped with UMIS (Unmanned Mine Countermeasures Integrated System), a comprehensive toolbox consisting of unmanned assets (aerial, surface and underwater) and advanced software suite. This system enables a wide range of mine clearance missions, leveraging  autonomous, remotely operated vehicles as well as towed systems (sonar and sweep).

At the heart of this system is UMISOFT, a powerful software suite that orchestrates the entire operation—from mission planning and supervision to drone management, data processing and analysis. UMISOFT connects every phase of the mission, ensuring smooth coordination between multiple unmanned systems. Together, UMIS and UMISOFT set a new benchmark for safer and faster mine clearance, revolutionizing the way naval forces conduct these missions.

UNMANNED AND RECONFIGURABLE: INSPECTOR 125 USVS IN ACTION

One of the program’s standout elements is the Inspector 125, a highly versatile unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that plays a crucial role in the deployment and recovery of drones used for mine clearance. In 2024, the 2 first series vehicles began rigorous testing in southern France and in Ostend during summer and autumn. These tests are laying the groundwork for full deployment, showcasing the USV’s ability to operate in demanding maritime conditions, in different configurations – with the launch and recovery of the A18-M AUV and the Seascan and K-Ster drones.

ENHANCED DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION WITH AUV AND TOWED SONAR

Testing is also underway for the T18-M towed sonar and A18-M autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), both equipped with UMISAS , Exail’s advanced interferometric synthetic aperture sonar (SAS). The systems allow for detection and classification, and mapping of sea mines. With trials ongoing throughout 2024, these vehicles are demonstrating their ability to operate in hostile environments, ensuring mine clearance missions are both safe and efficient.

PRECISION IN ACTION: MINE IDENTIFICATION AND DISPOSAL SYSTEMS TESTING

The Seascan and K-Ster critical components of the Mine Identification & Disposal System (MIDS)—are currently undergoing trials in the Mediterranean and soon in Ostend. Seascan’s high-tech imaging capabilities (high-resolution cameras & electronic scanning sonar) and K-Ster’s precise neutralization abilities make them invaluable for addressing mine threats swiftly. As trials continue, these systems are proving their potential to ensure safe waters for naval operations.

TRAINING AND READINESS: PREPARING CREWS FOR ADVANCED MCM OPERATIONS

In September 2024, the first crew training sessions on our UMIS system began for the Belgian Navy at Exail Academy. Hosted in our newly developed facility in Ostend, Belgium, where the drones are assembled, this training combines simulated and real-world scenarios. Starting with the UMISOFT software suite and the C2 container, and extending to hands-on MIDS training, this program will equip the Navy with the skills to operate these advanced systems by the end of 2024, ahead of full system deployment.

LOOKING AHEAD: KEY MILESTONES AND DELIVERY TIMELINE FOR THE RMCM PROGRAM

With flexible deployment options from motherships, shore, or ships of opportunity, the Belgian and Dutch navies will soon have the world’s most advanced MCM capabilities at their disposal. The delivery of the first drones, alongside critical Command and Control (C2) containers, is scheduled for Q3 2025. The qualification process, involving both stand-alone and vessel-integrated testing, will ensure these systems are fully operational by mid-2025.

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR 21ST CENTURY MINE WARFARE

The rMCM program is rapidly approaching key milestones, with Exail’s unmanned systems leading the charge in mine warfare innovation. As testing progresses and delivery timelines are met, the Belgian and Dutch navies will soon have access to a new era of mine countermeasures, marked by safety, efficiency, and cutting-edge robotics technology.