Exail Advances Maritime Autonomy with DriX O-16 USV
Achievement Highlights Long-Range Capability
Exail has marked a significant advancement in maritime autonomous technologies with the successful deployment of its DriX O-16 transoceanic uncrewed surface vehicle (USV). This 16-meter vessel has navigated an extraordinary 1,100-nautical-mile (2,000 km) journey from La Ciotat, France, to Troia, Portugal, participating in NATO’s REPMUS 2025 exercise.
Mission Overview
- Journey Route: The DriX O-16 traversed critical maritime routes, including the Balearic Islands and the strategically vital Strait of Gibraltar, one of the planet’s busiest shipping lanes.
- Operational Duration: The mission was accomplished in just six days, with no need for port stops, showcasing the vessel’s endurance and efficiency.
- Remote Operations: The USV was operated with supervised autonomy from Exail’s Remote Operation Center (ROC) in La Ciotat, demonstrating its advanced situational awareness and decision-making capabilities amidst dense maritime traffic.
Significance of the Deployment
This noteworthy long-range operation verifies the resilience, safety, and operational viability of Exail’s USV technology. It serves not only as a landmark crossing but also as concrete evidence that large uncrewed surface vehicles can be reliably monitored and managed across open seas and constrained nautical channels. Notably, upon arrival in the operational theater, the DriX O-16 was fully mission-ready without necessitating substantial logistical resources.
Data Collection Capabilities
Throughout the transit, the DriX O-16 engaged in seabed mapping activities utilizing a Kongsberg EM304 multibeam echosounder. This capacity to gather critical data while underway further underscores the vehicle’s multifaceted operational capabilities.
Expert Commentary
Sébastien Grall, Head of Maritime Autonomy Solutions at Exail, articulated the significance of this achievement: “With this groundbreaking long-range transit, Exail’s DriX O-16 illustrates that large uncrewed surface vehicles are now a tangible operational reality. As the first autonomous platform to execute such a mission successfully, it establishes a new standard in surface autonomy—characterized by safety, reliability, and mission readiness.”
The successful mission of the DriX O-16 not only elevates Exail’s technological standing but also signals an important turning point in the adoption of autonomous systems within military and commercial maritime operations. As global demand increases for innovative solutions in naval capabilities, advancements such as these will be crucial for future maritime strategies.
