The Royal Netherlands Navy has embarked on an Operational Testing & Evaluation (OT&E) Program to develop and refine operational doctrines for drone-based mine warfare, with Exail at the center as a key technology provider.
This program begins as the Royal Netherlands Navy prepares for the delivery of new Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels under the rMCM program. Exail will support the Navy with a comprehensive suite of unmanned systems designed for MCM missions.
Under the OT&E Program, Exail has supplied the Umisoft software suite, the C2 container, the Inspector 90 USV, the A18-M AUV and the Mine Identification and Disposal System (MIDS), which includes the Seascan and K-Ster underwater vehicles.
These advanced USVs, AUVs, and other tools enable the Royal Netherlands Navy to practice, test, and optimize drone-based mine countermeasure techniques, providing valuable feedback to Exail prior to the full deployment of their MCM vessels.
This system provides the capacity for mine detection, classification, identification and neutralization. Together, these vehicles will allow the Navy to perform complex and highly accurate mine clearance operations, increasing both safety and efficiency for naval personnel.
Preparing for the future of Mine Warfare
The OT&E program is a critical phase of preparation, allowing the Royal Netherlands Navy to get hands-on experience with the drone-based system ahead of full deployment. The key objectives include:
- Developing and testing new operational doctrines for unmanned systems
- Handling and assessing the performance of the systems
- Operating the Launch & Recovery (L&R) systems
- Using planning and evaluation software for tool deployment
- Defining concepts for manning, maintenance, and training
Crews will provide invaluable feedback based on their operational experiences, refining how these systems are deployed in real-world conditions.
By simulating operational environments during the OT&E program, the Navy can adjust tactics, improve efficiency, and fine-tune the systems to meet the specific challenges of mine countermeasures missions.
Insights from REPMUS 2024
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s experience with Exail’s systems was recently highlighted during REPMUS 2024 exercise, a NATO-led event in Portugal that tested a range of unmanned vehicles in maritime environments.
During this exercise, the Navy deployed and operated Exail’s Inspector 90 USV and A18-M AUV alongside other drones, testing their capabilities. REPMUS also offered the Navy a valuable opportunity to test Exail’s systems in a joint NATO setting, validating their ability to integrate unmanned systems into broader mine warfare strategies.
These insights, along with other operational trainings will play a crucial role in refining operational doctrines for the Royal Netherlands Navy as they prepare for the full-scale deployment of the rMCM program.
Feedback provided by the Dutch Defense COMMIT and Navy will also contribute to enhancing Exail’s products, ensuring that their tools and drones evolve in alignment with operational needs. This collaborative approach allows both parties to learn, grow, and improve, fostering a partnership that extends beyond mere use to continuous development and refinement.
As the program moves forward, the experience gained during the OT&E phase will ensure that the Royal Netherlands Navy is fully prepared to operate and maintain their new fleet of MCM vessels, setting the stage for a new era in mine countermeasure operations.
