Organization. The items that name it, and who it appears alongside.
Exail secured a major contract to outfit a fleet of naval drones. The deal was announced by ABC Bourse on October 21, 2026. No further details on the scope, value, or timeline of the contract were provided. The focus is on Exail’s role in equipping the drones.
Babcock expanded its ARMOR Force Framework by partnering with seven companies—CUBEDIN, Exail, Hensoldt, Kraken Technology Group, SH Defence, Stormborn, and Thales—to integrate autonomous naval technologies, including platforms, sensors, and mission systems. The framework provides navies with a unified operational system, combining crewed, lean-crewed, and uncrewed systems under a common architecture while maintaining human oversight. Babcock acts as the systems integrator, ensuring accountability, certification, and through-life support for deployable hybrid naval capabilities. The open and modular design allows for future expansion as technologies and requirements evolve.
Exail has joined Babcock’s ARMOR Force framework, announced at Euronaval 2026, to advance autonomous naval capabilities. The initiative integrates crewed, lean-crewed, and uncrewed systems under a unified operational environment, led by Babcock as systems integrator. Exail will provide expertise in uncrewed maritime systems and autonomous technologies to enhance naval reach and mission effectiveness. The framework includes partners like Thales and Hensoldt and uses an open, modular architecture to adapt to future needs.
Babcock has expanded its ARMOR Force framework by partnering with Thales, Kraken Technology Group, and five other companies to integrate crewed and uncrewed naval fleets. The framework aims to provide navies with a single accountable integrator for platforms, sensors, and mission systems, supported by Babcock’s facilities in Rosyth and Devonport. Babcock emphasizes commanded autonomy, ensuring human oversight while leveraging technology for operational advantage. The company plans an early 2027 demonstration for the Royal Navy using HMS Venturer and an HII vessel, though no contract is confirmed.
The French Navy and Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) conducted evaluations of the Exail DriX O-16 unmanned surface vessel (USV) in the Mediterranean. The trials assessed the USV’s performance and operational capabilities. The DriX O-16 is designed for maritime surveillance, hydrography, and oceanography missions. No specific outcomes or results of the evaluation were detailed.
Exail’s unmanned surface vessels (USVs) will undergo evaluations by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. The assessments aim to test the USVs' capabilities for potential future operations. No specific timeline or technical details were provided in the announcement. The evaluations reflect growing interest in autonomous maritime systems for defense and security.