Exail and L&T have formed a strategic partnership to provide an advanced Unmanned Mine Countermeasures (MCM) suite for the Indian Navy’s forthcoming Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMV) programme.
Under the collaboration, L&T will serve as the prime contractor, offering the integrated unmanned MCM suite to shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s planned programme for 12 vessels. Exail will act as the technology partner, contributing its operationally proven mine warfare and unmanned maritime systems technologies.
The solution combines autonomous and remotely operated platforms designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralise naval mines from a safe stand-off distance. Exail’s MCM technologies are already deployed by multiple navies worldwide and have been validated through extensive operational use.
According to the companies, the collaboration is intended to strengthen India’s mine countermeasure capabilities while supporting wider maritime security objectives and Indo-French defence cooperation. The programme also aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives through local industrial participation and capability development.
Arun Ramchandani, Senior VP & Head – Precision Engineering & Systems, L&T, commented, “This partnership brings together L&T, with its extensive defence products legacy and maritime capabilities, and Exail, a global leader in unmanned maritime systems and mine warfare technologies. Exail contributes decades of proven operational expertise, while L&T leverages its strengths in defence engineering, indigenous manufacturing, complex system integration and lifecycle support.”
Jérôme Bendell, Director of Exail Maritime Systems business line, added, “We are proud to partner with L&T on this strategic programme for the Indian Navy. Beyond delivering a proven unmanned mine countermeasures capability, this collaboration also reflects a shared ambition to support the long-term development of sovereign unmanned maritime systems in India. By combining Exail’s operational expertise with L&T’s strong industrial and integration capabilities, we see significant potential to contribute to the local development and production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems.”
