Ostend-based technology group delivers advanced mine clearance drones to NATO
The Belgian Navy will soon be able to guarantee the safety of its sea routes and ports with high-tech suicide drones. NATO has placed an order for these devices worth €60 million with Exail Robotics Belgium in Ostend.
Suicide drone is a somewhat scary name for a piece of specialised underwater robotics. But the term is rather misleading. The drone is guided to a localised mine remotely, before attaching itself to it and disabling it with an explosive. In the process, of course, the drone also destroys itself, which therefore makes it only suitable for one-time use. This innovative system is in addition to the various types of drones already being supplied to the Belgian Navy.
Of the sea mines that were dropped off our coast in both World Wars to damage or destroy enemy ships, many still lie on the sea bed, with all the dangers that entails. Over the years, Belgium has specialised in mine removal solutions and also wants to stay completely up-to-date in that field. It has repeatedly proven its expertise in clearing this type of junk within the country and elsewhere. As a matter of fact, the whole world has been paying attention.
These new-generation drones can only further enhance our global reputation in mine clearance operations.