Exail, ADSB and TII join forces on next-generation MCM capabilities in UAE

High-tech industrial company Exail has partnered with  EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) to develop next-generation autonomous mine countermeasure (MCM) solutions in the UAE. 

As part of this collaboration, ADSB has launched the 170M Detector, a 17-meter vessel designed for high-performance MCM operations. The unit comes equipped with advanced autonomous control systems and Exail’s MCM mine identification and disposal systems. It will serve in detecting, classifying, identifying, and neutralizing underwater mines with precision and efficiency.

The partners highlighted that this collaboration brings together the expertise of ADSB, TII, and Exail to deliver innovative and interoperable naval defense solutions.

In the next phase of this collaboration, the three partners will jointly develop in the UAE a new generation Inspector 125 USV, Exail’s reconfigurable mine hunting USV. This new platform will feature TII’s marine autonomy system and Exail’s T-18 towed sonar system. The T-18 towed sonar shares technological commonalities, including a launch and recovery system, with Exail’s AUV A-18 and enables real-time mine detection and classification.

“We are proud to strengthen our collaboration in the region, with ADSB and TII, supporting the UAE’s ambition to lead in autonomous naval technologies. This partnership is a strong testament to our recognized expertise and leadership in next-generation MCM systems,” said Antony Penn, MCM Commercial Director at Exail.

“At TII, we are committed to advancing autonomous maritime solutions that redefine the future of naval defense,” said Jeremy Nicola, Senior Director, Autonomous Robotics Research Center at the Technology Innovation Institute.

“Together, we are shaping a future where smart, interoperable systems ensure safer and more efficient naval operations.”

Last year, Exail received a contract to supply mine countermeasures system to the UAE Navy. Specifically, the firm will provide the UMIS 3rd generation unmanned integrated mine countermeasures system to the navy.