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The rMCM (replacement Mine Countermeasure) 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 the Royal Netherlands Navy prepares for the delivery of new Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels under the rMCM program, it has embarked on an Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) Program to develop and refine operational doctrines for drone-based mine warfare. At the heart of this effort is Exail, a key technology provider supporting the Navy with a comprehensive suite of unmanned systems designed for MCM missions.

Thales and Exail have been selected by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to deliver eight, plus eight more in option, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).This extended version of the A18-M AUV will integrate the SAMDIS 600 sonar for the SLAMF program (the French Armed forces programme, supervised by the DGA, which aims at renewing the French Navy mine warfare capabilities with massive use of unmanned systems).

The UAE Navy has contracted with French company, Exail, a global leader in robotics systems, to supply UMIS 3rd generation unmanned integrated Mine Countermeasures system, which aims to provide advanced capabilities for remote mine clearance.