Exail – formerly ECA Group and iXblue

Exail – formerly ECA Group and IXblue – has been a leading innovator and supplier of advanced technologies to Defence for almost 90 years. The privately-owned company has established a world class reputation for state-of-the art robotics, unmanned and remotely operated vehicles for sea, land and air operations.

ECA Group supports more than 30 military navies and commercial maritime operations worldwide, enabling mission success and ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.

The company looks forward to sharing its sea proven and low-risk technology with Australia to help fast track the Royal Australian Navy’s sovereign ambitions in underwater mine warfare and military survey. ECA Group is committed to sharing its know-how with Australia and aims to establish lasting local partnerships that provide genuine Australian Industry Capability.

The Task:

After searching for an Australian public relations firm with skills and experience in the Defence industry, ECA Group – now Exail – selected Wings Public Relations as the ideal agency to provide the company with ongoing PR and engagement support. Following a successful introduction to the Australian market at Indo Pacific 2022, Wings is now rolling out a comprehensive communication strategy, having worked with the company to secure significant media coverage and provide government and client relations support. Recent key tasks have been to produce a comprehensive website and media kit.

25/10/2023

Exail Buys Simulated Sonar Data For Automatic Target Recognition

Naval News

Exail has finalised its first large-scale order of simulated sonar data from Mission Systems Pty Ltd, a pivotal step that launches the Australian research and development-focused SME into the international defence supply chain.

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25/10/2023

Exail orders simulated sonar data from Mission Systems

Australian Defence Magazine

Exail has finalised its first large-scale order of simulated sonar data from Australian research and development-focused SME Mission Systems. The order focuses on the large-scale acquisition of simulated sonar data, produced by Mission Systems, which is based on computer models of how the sea floor appears to high-resolution imaging sonar – an approach that is faster and more economical than sourcing actual sonar data.

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24/10/2023

AI based Automatic Target Recognition system

Drastic News - Drones Robotics

Exail says it has finalised its first large-scale order of simulated sonar data from Mission Systems, a pivotal step that launches the Australian research and development-focused SME into the international defence supply chain.

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25/10/2023

Exail orders simulated sonar data from Mission Systems for AI-based recognition system

Asia Pacific Defence Reporter

Exail has finalised its first large-scale order of simulated sonar data from Mission Systems Pty Ltd, a pivotal step that launches the Australian research and development-focused SME into the international defence supply chain. The order focuses on the large-scale acquisition of simulated sonar data, produced by Mission Systems, which is based on computer models of how the sea floor appears to high-resolution imaging sonar – an approach that is far quicker and more economical than sourcing actual sonar data.

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22/03/2023

Exail contracted for E-3F AWACS simulator for French Air Force

Defence Connect

Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance has contracted Exail to supply a full flight simulator for the French Air Force’s E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft. The contract with Exail, formerly ECA Group, falls as part of the contract between the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) for a renovated cockpit of the aircraft.

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17/03/2023

Undersea warfare capability should surface in DSR

Defence Connect

The government has recognised this and commissioned the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) to identify issues that must be addressed to deal with a significantly changed strategic environment. The DSR report has been delivered to government and is expected to be released in the next week or so. However, some of the recommendations have already been revealed, key among them the need for a manifest offensive capability, called “impactful projection” by the Minister for Defence. This changes Australia’s previous defensive and reactive strategic posture to one that supports the deterrence of threats and an ability to deal with them should deterrence fail. A credible offensive strike capability will extend across all domains of warfare of air, land, sea (both surface and underwater), cyber, and possibly even space.

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16/03/2023

Exail wins simulator deal for AWACS

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Exail, formerly ECA Group, and Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) have signed a major new contract for the supply of a Full Flight Simulator (FFS), designed to train crews on the E-3F AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft used in airspace defence by the French Air Force.

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13/03/2023

Underwater robot market expected to expand

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

The market for underwater robots is expected to reach a value of US$1.2 billion in 2023 and US$4.3 billion by the end of 2033, growing at a CAGR of 13.7 percent, according to research firm Fact.MR. Some of the deep and difficult-to-reach areas of the ocean are explored by an underwater robot. Underwater robots have cameras and lights that give them vision in the dark ocean and make it simple for them to communicate with the operator.

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03/03/2023

DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle takes part in Middle East’s largest naval exercise

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Following the success of the Digital Horizon 22 Unmanned & Artificial Intelligence Exercise organised by the U.S. Navy in Bahrain, Exail Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), DriX, was selected by the 5th fleet’s task force 59 to take part in the two-week 2023 International Maritime Exercise (IMX 23), that will be held in Bahrain and Jordan from 5-16 March.

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03/03/2023

DriX USV takes part in 50-nation International Maritime Exercise

Defence Connect

The unmanned surface vehicle (USV) produced by Exail has been chosen by the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet Task Force 59 to take part in the two-week 2023 International Maritime Exercise (IMX 23). Held in March with representatives from over 50 countries, the exercise is expected to include 7,000 personnel and 35 ships spanning the Arabian Gulf, Persian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Indian Ocean and East African coastal regions.

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06/03/2023

DriX USV to take part in Middle East naval exercise

Shephard Media

Following success on the USN’s Digital Horizon 22 exercise, Exail’s DriX USV has been selected to participate in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 23. During IMX 23, the DriX USV will operate in maritime domain awareness (MDA) and Mine Countermeasures Missions (MCM) tactical environments.

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22/01/2023

Exail’s DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle takes part in Digital Horizon 22

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Exail recently took part in the Digital Horizon Unmanned & Artificial Intelligence Exercise in Bahrain, organised by the US Navy. The US Navy’s 5th Fleet held the three-week exercise in December to test new unmanned technologies, as part of its plans to establish the world’s first Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) fleet of 100 drones in the Gulf by the end of the summer.

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20/01/2023

Exail’s DriX USV takes part in EX Digital Horizon 22 in Bahrain

EX2

French undersea autonomy specialist Exail took part in the US Navy’s recent Digital Horizon Unmanned & Artificial Intelligence Exercise in Bahrain. The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet held the three-week exercise in December to test new unmanned technologies, as part of its plans to establish the world’s first Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) fleet of 100 drones in the Gulf by the end of the northern summer. The current geopolitical situation means that manned assets are in increasing demand elsewhere, leading the Navy to look to the latest unmanned technologies to expand its capabilities. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, set up Task Force 59 last year to speed new tech integration across the 5th Fleet, and seek alternative, cost-effective solutions for conducting Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) missions. Maritime Domain Awareness can be defined as the effective understanding of military and non-military events in the maritime environment that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a nation or a region.

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20/01/2023

Exail’s DriX USV takes part in US military exercise

Defence Connect

The company’s unmanned surface vessel took part in the US Navy’s Digital Horizon Unmanned and Artificial Intelligence Exercise in Bahrain. The three-week exercise, hosted by the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, was held to test new USV capabilities with an eye to creating the world’s first 100-strong drone fleet in the Gulf.

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20/01/2023

Exail participates in US Navy’s Digital Horizon exercise

Shephard

Exail, with its Drix USV, took part in the USN’s Digital Horizon uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence exercise in Bahrain. Drix, alongside 14 other USVs and UAVs, was selected to participate in the three-week 5th Fleet exercise held in December last year. The 5th Fleet and Task Force 59 are accelerating the integration of USVs and AI into the force to better conduct maritime domain awareness (MDA) missions.

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20/11/2022

Exail wins DGA contract for new Drix USV experiment

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

As part of the future hydrographic and oceanographic capability (CHOF) program for the French Navy, the DGA awarded a contract to iXblue (now Exail) for a new experiment of the DriX – hydrographic Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV).

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17/11/2022

Exail wins DGA contract for new Drix USV experimentation

EX2 for Defence Innovators

The French Ministry of Defence’s Direction Générale De l’Armement (DGA) has awarded maritime autonomy specialist Exail a €0.5 million contract as part of the future hydrographic and oceanographic capability (CHOF) program for the French Navy.

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16/11/2022

Exail wins French USV contract

Defence Connect

Exail, formerly iXblue and ECA Group, received a contract to experiment a hydrographic unmanned surface vehicle from the French government’s procurement agency.

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14/11/2022

Exail and SfS to export advanced MCM capabilities

EX2 for Defence Innovators

French company Exail, formerly ECA Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sydney based Solutions from Silicon to provide advanced data management capabilities for both manned and unmanned Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions in Australia and overseas. This will enable crews to prepare, conduct and manage their more MCM operations more efficiently.

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14/11/2022

Exail and Australian SME partner on MCM capabilities

Australian Defence Magazine

Exail, formerly ECA Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian company Solutions from Silicon to collaborate on providing advanced data management capabilities, enabling naval crews to prepare, conduct and manage their Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions more efficiently.

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13/11/2022

Exail signs MOU with Solutions from Silicon for data management

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Exail, formerly ECA Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian company Solutions from Silicon to collaborate on providing advanced data management capabilities, enabling naval crews to prepare, conduct and manage their Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions more efficiently.

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10/11/2022

Exail's Partnership Agreement with Solutions from Silicon

Australian Security Magazine

Exail, formerly ECA Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian company Solutions from Silicon to collaborate on providing advanced data management capabilities, enabling naval crews to prepare, conduct and manage their Mine Countermeasures (MCM) missions more efficiently.

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10/11/2022

Exail, Solutions from Silicon partner to provide advanced MCM mission management capabilities

Defence Connect

Exail, formerly the ECA Group, has confirmed that the company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australia's Solutions from Silicon to enhance mine countermeasure tasks with advanced data management capabilities.

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31/10/2022

Curtiss-Wright to provide encrypted data storage for unmanned underwater vehicle

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, a trusted leading supplier of rugged, secure data storage solutions, announced that its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-based Data Transport System 1 (DTS1) Network Attached Storage (NAS) device has been selected by a leading U.S. system integrator for use on a Small-Class Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) deployment. Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright will supply the customer with its DTS1 data storage and Removable Memory Cartridge (RMC) technologies.

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23/10/2022

Exail signs MOU with Mission Systems for tech development

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Exail and Mission Systems Pty Ltd, an Australian SME with a strong R&D focus, have entered into a technological partnership in the field of mine countermeasures (MCM). Mission Systems technology will be implemented in Exail’s MCM solutions including within the framework of the SEA 1905 Mine Countermeasures Program. The collaboration will mainly centre around two themes: sonar simulation and machine learning. It will enable Exail to fit its maritime drones with advanced technology from Mission Systems, providing navies with the next generation of autonomous solutions. Exail teams have already started to integrate Mission Systems technology in its drone mission management software UMISOFT in its DM (Data Management) module.

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20/10/2022

Exail signs MoU with Mission Systems

Australian Security Magazine

Exail and Mission Systems have announced they have entered into a technological partnership in the field of mine countermeasures (MCM). Mission Systems technology will be implemented in Exail’s MCM solutions including within the framework of the SEA 1905 Mine Countermeasures Program. The collaboration will mainly centre around two themes: sonar simulation and machine learning.

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20/10/2022

MISSION SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY ADOPTED FOR MINE COUNTERMEASURE DRONE

@AuManufacturing

Australian technology from Mission Systems Pty Ltd could be integrated into a new fleet of mine countermeasure (MCM) drones that are to be depolyed from the next generation of mine sweeping ships being developed for the Royal Australian Navy. French company Exail and Mission Systems have entered into a technological partnership in the MCM field to implement the Australian technology in Exail’s MCM solutions, including within the framework of the SEA 1905 Mine Countermeasures Program. Australia’s four Huon class minehunter coastal (MHC) ships will be replaced from the mid-2020s onwards in a A$1 billion programme, with the new vessels to be based on the Arafura class offshore patrol vessels (pictured) now being built in Adelaide and Perth.

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21/10/2022

Exail enlists Australian firm for MCM technology inputs

Shephard

ECA Group, under the recently renamed banner of Exail, has signed an MoU with the Australian company Mission Systems to pursue a technological partnership in the field of mine countermeasures (MCM), it was announced on 19 October. This tie-up relates to Australia, for Exail is one of three contenders in the hunt for a new Royal Australian Navy (RAN) MCM and military survey capability known as Project Sea 1905 Phase 1.

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20/10/2022

Exail signs MoU with Mission Systems

Australian Defence Magazine

Exail and Mission Systems, an Australian SME, have entered into a technological partnership in the field of mine countermeasures (MCM). Mission Systems technology will be implemented in Exail’s MCM solutions including within the framework of the Sea 1905 Mine Countermeasures program. The collaboration will mainly centre around two themes: sonar simulation and machine learning. It will enable Exail to fit its maritime drones with technology from Mission Systems; Exail teams have already started to integrate Mission Systems technology in its drone mission management software UMISOFT in its DM (Data Management) module.

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20/10/2022

Exail teams up with Mission Systems for SEA 1905 bid

Defence Connect

An Australian SME has joined the newly merged entity’s push to deliver next-generation mine countermeasure capabilities to the ADF. Exail — a newly established brand launched as part of a merger between ECA Group and iXblue — has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NSW-based robotics company Mission Systems. The partnership aims to foster collaboration on the development of mine countermeasure (MCM) technology, including in support of Exail’s push to secure the Commonwealth government’s SEA 1905 contract. The collaboration is expected to particularly focus on the exploration of sonar simulation and machine learning capability, aimed at integrating advanced Mission Systems technology into Exail’s maritime drones.

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19/10/2022

ECA Group and iXblue Unite to Become Exail

Drastic News

Following the acquisition of iXblue by Group Gorgé end of September, ECA Group and iXblue announced today that both companies will be operating under a new joint brand: Exail. With this alliance, Exail becomes a global high-tech industrial champion specialising in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. Combining complementary technological expertise and geographical footprint with a strong legacy of innovation, Exail provides its global base of customers with cutting-edge in-house manufactured technologies ranging from components and sensors to products and complex systems.

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19/10/2022

ECA Group and iXblue unite forces to become Exail

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

Following the acquisition of iXblue by Group Gorgé end of September, ECA Group and iXblue announced recently that both companies will be operating under a new joint brand called Exail. With this alliance, Exail becomes a global high-tech industrial champion specialising in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. Combining complementary technological expertise and geographical footprint with a strong legacy of innovation, Exail provides its global base of customers with cutting-edge in-house manufactured technologies ranging from components and sensors to products and complex systems.

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19/10/2022

ECA Group and iXblue become Exail

Australian Defence Magazine

Following the acquisition of iXblue by Group Gorgé end of September, ECA Group and iXblue have announced that both companies will be operating under a new joint brand: Exail. With this alliance, Exail specialises in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. "Joining forces under a joint brand allows us to become a major global player capable of addressing new and larger markets, but also to federate our 1500 employees around the same banner," Fabien Napolitano, CEO of iXblue, said. "Together, we will keep pushing back the frontiers of science to take our technological excellence to new heights.

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19/10/2022

ECA Group and iXblue merge under new entity

Defence Connect

The companies have been united under a single brand following Group Gorge's acquisition of iXblue.

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02/10/2022

ECA Group, UGL establish Australian team to pursue SEA 1905

EX2

International defence robotics and mine countermeasures leader ECA Group has joined forces with UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group and one of Australia’s biggest multi-disciplined engineering companies, to cement its permanent operations in Australia. Headquartered in France, ECA Group is renowned for its expertise in robotics, automated systems, simulation and industrial processes and is an invited bidder for the RAN’s Project SEA 1905 Tranche 1. The partnership will significantly bolster Australia’s sovereign defence capability and create an Australian hub for ECA Group’s world leading mine countermeasures, military survey, (MCM/MS) and autonomous system technologies, says ECA Group.

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02/10/2022

ECA acquires iXblue to create European defence robotics champion

EX2

The French Groupe Gorgé has acquired fellow French autonomy specialist iXblue. This purchase will bring underwater warfare specialist ECA Group and iXblue together to create a European high-tech industrial champion in the fields of robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics. The two companies will benefit from a global workforce of 1,500 people and will achieve an annual turnover of €250 million ($383 million). Together, iXblue and ECA Group will provide customers with a unique offer ranging from components to complex systems to support critical missions in severe environments, the companies said an a statement.

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29/09/2022

ECA Group partners with UGL to form Australian operations team

Defence Connect

The France-based maritime solutions company has joined forces with the engineering firm to set up a local operations hub. ECA Group has entered into a partnership with CIMIC Group subsidiary UGL to strengthen its foothold in the Australian market. Specifically, the agreement aims to establish an Australian operations network for ECA Group’s mine countermeasures, military survey (MCM/MS), and autonomous system technologies. This is tipped to build the company’s size and scale as part of ECA Group’s push to capitalise on local contract opportunities.

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29/09/2022

ECA Group partners with UGL to establish Australian operations team

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

International defence robotics and mine countermeasures leader ECA Group has joined forces with UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group and one of Australia’s biggest multi-disciplined engineering companies, to cement its permanent operations in Australia. The partnership will significantly bolster Australia’s sovereign defence capability and create an Australian hub for ECA Group’s world leading mine countermeasures, military survey, (MCM/MS) and autonomous system technologies. The partnership with UGL adds immediate size and scale to the innovative team ECA Group has put together to enhance its operations and drive its plans for long-term growth in Australia.

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30/09/2022

ECA Group and UGL partner on Australian operations team

Australian Defence Magazine

International defence robotics and mine countermeasures company ECA Group has joined forces with UGL, Australian multi-disciplined engineering company and member of the CIMIC Group, to cement its permanent operations in Australia. The partnership will create an Australian hub for ECA Group’s mine countermeasures, military survey, (MCM/MS) and autonomous system technologies.

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23/09/2022

Seabed Warfare Demonstration Shows Off Strong Partnership

Drastic News

ECA Group and iXblue have displayed a powerful force multiplier combination of autonomous robots for undersea warfare. ECA Group’s A18D Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and iXblue’s DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) were deployed together in a demonstration to defence media at La Ciotat in southern France during the lead-up to next month’s Euronaval 22 Conference.

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23/09/2022

Seabed warfare demonstration shows off strong partnership

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

ECA Group and iXblue have displayed a powerful force multiplier combination of autonomous robots for undersea warfare. ECA Group’s A18D Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) and iXblue’s DriX Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) were deployed together in a demonstration to defence media at La Ciotat in southern France during the lead-up to next month’s Euronaval 22 Conference. ECA Group’s SEA1905 Capture Leader Romain Dumont said the deep ocean was a new frontier often compared to outer space due to the difficulty in communication and navigation for undersea vehicles.

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23/08/2022

ECA Group achieves factory acceptance test for Latvian Navy programme

Shephard

ECA Group and the Latvian Navy have conducted factory acceptance tests of Command and Control (C2) system and Mine Identification and Disposal systems (MIDS) that will be integrated into the country’s Imanta-class MCMVs. ECA Group is modernising three Latvian MCMVs under a tender awarded in 2020. Under the works, the traditional mine warfare system is being replaced with the A18-M AUV, a UMISAS Sonar, Seascan mine identification vehicle and K-Ster mine disposal system. The company is also responsible for ship modifications and upgrading the navigation system.

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30/08/2022

ECA Group’s Mine Countermeasures Modernisation Solution hits a key milestone:

Defence Review Asia

ECA Group’s Mine Countermeasures Modernisation Solution hits a key milestone: Successful Factory Acceptance Test for Latvian Navy Programme Last June, ECA Group welcomed the Latvian Navy to carry out the Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for their modernised ship’s Command and Control (CC) system and Mine Identification and Disposal systems (MIDS). These systems will be soon integrated into Latvia’s Tripartite-class Mine Hunter vessels (IMANTA Class). The Latvian Navy will be the first to be equipped with a comprehensive drone solution from ECA Group, specifically designed to be fitted during modernisation programmes of previous generation Mine Hunters.

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23/08/2022

ECA Group puts MCM offering to the test

Defence Connect

The global maritime technology company has demonstrated the effectiveness of its mine countermeasure offering leveraged by a European navy. ECA Group’s Mine Countermeasures Modernisation (MCM) technology has completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) process with the Latvian Navy, demonstrating the capability of its command and control (CC) system and its Mine Identification and Disposal systems (MIDS). The technologies are set to be integrated onto Latvia’s Tripartite Class Mine Hunter vessels (IMANTA Class), equipping the ships with a drone solution designed to be fitted during modernisation programs of previous generation Mine Hunters. In 2020, ECA Group was tasked with modernising the MCM capacity of the three Latvian MCM vessels, replacing legacy mine warfare systems with a new command and control system and a full set of drones.

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24/08/2022

ECA Group’s mine countermeasures modernisation hits key milestone

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

ECA Group in June welcomed the Latvian Navy to carry out the Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for their modernised ship’s Command and Control (CC) system and Mine Identification and Disposal systems (MIDS). These systems will be soon integrated onto Latvia’s Tripartite-class Mine Hunter vessels (IMANTA Class). The Latvian Navy will be the first to be equipped with a comprehensive drone solution from ECA Group, specifically designed to be fitted during modernisation programmes of previous generation mine hunters. Selected in 2020 following an international tender, ECA Group is in charge of the modernisation of the MCM capacity of the three Latvian MCM vessels. The traditional mine warfare system is completely replaced by a new command and control system and a full set of drones, all designed and manufactured by ECA Group: the A18-M AUV fitted with ECA Group’s UMISAS Sonar, the SEASCAN mine identification vehicle and the K-STER mine disposal system.

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26/07/2022

iXblue and ECA Group demonstrate subsea asset tracking to Polish Naval Academy

Shephard

As part of a mission scenario, ECA Group's R7 ROV investigated objects and structures submerged in the Baltic Sea harbour of Gydnia, Poland. iXBlue announced the demonstration on 26 July in a press release. iXblue's Gaps M7 USBL acoustic positioning system was used to geolocate the ROV and correct its trajectory. The duo, hosted by local Polish partner Thesta, demonstrated the capability to the Polish Naval Academy and NAVSUP 2022 attendees to show that accurate positioning of underwater targets is possible in a hostile and fast-approaching environment. A transponder was also placed hundreds of meters away at 5m depth, with trials carried out in the water at depths of 7 to 10m surrounded by docks and vessels generating acoustic echoes. iXblue said the positioning of the ROV and transponder was stable and accurate despite the challenging acoustic conditions.

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29/07/2022

iXblue, ECA Group demonstrate subsea tracking capability

Defence Connect

The firms have combined to showcase undersea tracking technology before naval representatives in Europe. iXblue and ECA Group have demonstrated subsea asset tracking in shallow waters to representatives from the Polish Naval Academy. The demonstration, hosted by local Polish maritime navigation services firm THESTA, leveraged iXblue Gaps M7 USBL (ultra-short baseline) positioning system and ECA Group’s new R7 ROV (remotely operated vehicle). This aimed to prove accurate positioning of underwater targets is possible in a hostile and fast-approaching environment, particularly in coastal regions characterised by shallow waters of seven to 10 metres in depth, surrounded by docks and vessels.

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11/05/2022

ECA Group touts ‘sea-proven’ heritage for SEA 1905

Defence Connect

The maritime robotics and autonomous systems developer is leveraging its heritage in the mine countermeasure space to secure work for the Royal Australian Navy. France-based ECA Group is bidding for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 1905 Tranche 1 - Maritime Mine Countermeasures Survey program, which is seeking an autonomous solution to be deployed from the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The company has partnered with a number of local firms, including Western Australia-based Total Marine Technology (TMT).

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11/05/2022

ECA Group shortlisted for SEA 1905

ADBR

French defence and technology company ECA Group say their proven robotic autonomous systems can give the Royal Australian Navy immediate access to world leading capability in maritime Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and Military Survey. The company is shortlisted for Project SEA 1905, pitching their advanced mine warfare systems which are in operational service with 30 navies. ECA’s catalogue includes advanced autonomous surface and subsea robotic systems designed and sea proven in the most demanding military situations. “We are here to introduce to Australia’s decision-makers how ECA Group and its local partners, industry and academia, will offer a world class solution for mine warfare and military survey to the Royal Australian Navy,” ECA’s SEA 1905 Capture Leader Romain Dumont said in a company release. “Our sea proven solution replaces the need to send manned vessels into a minefield.”

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10/05/2022

World leading marine robots showcase the future in Indo Pacific defence

Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter

World leading marine robots showcase the future in Indo Pacific defence: ECA Group, one of the world’s leading designers of innovative marine robotics and autonomous systems, will be a feature attraction at the Indo Pacific 2022 Maritime Industry Expo in Sydney this week (May 10-12). The company’s expert team will highlight how ECA Group’s fleet of sea proven robotic autonomous systems can give the Royal Australian Navy immediate access to world leading capability in maritime Mine Counter Measures (MCM) and Military Survey. The privately-owned ECA Group has been a trusted name in defence technology for almost 90 years and a market leader in the specialist maritime domain for more than half a century. It also operates in civil aerospace, and provides training simulators. The company’s advanced mine warfare systems are in operational service with 30 international navies.

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10/05/2022

SEE ECA GROUP AND ITS ADVANCED AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS

Indo Pacific EDM

Highlighting how they can provide the Royal Australian Navy with a world leading maritime Mine CounterMeasures (MCM) and Military Survey capabilities is exhibiting company, ECA Group. The company has an exclusive range of advanced autonomous surface and subsea robots. Integrated with airborne drones, the robots significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of mine clearance, without ships and crew needing to venture into the danger zone. ECA Group is exhibiting 10-12 May, on stand 3S1.

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13/05/2022

Indo-Pacific 2022: Australia is set to trigger MCM tender

Shepherd News

An important theme at Indo-Pacific 2022 in Sydney was a new mine countermeasure (MCM) and military survey capability for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with contenders presenting their credentials before an RfT is issued at the end of May. This effort falls under Project Sea 1905 Phase 1. Interestingly, this programme number cleverly represents the Roman numerals MCMV. In April 2019, Sea 1905 replaced Sea 1179 Phase 1, when it was decided not to extend the life of Huon-class minehunters (of which four of six remain, with all to be retired by the middle of this decade). Instead, the RAN opted for an autonomous MCM solution, seeking a vertically integrated toolbox for MCM and military survey that is autonomous and non-developmental. Initially, eight primes and four system integrators were shortlisted after an EoI in 2021. The latter included Atlas Elektronik, ECA Group, SeeByte and Thales. However, Australia changed its acquisition strategy to a military off-the-shelf solution earlier this year.

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14/06/2022

ECA Group opens new MCM facility

Defence Connect

The maritime defence business has unveiled a new factory to support the production of mine countermeasure platforms. ECA Group has unveiled a new facility in Ostend, Belgium – designed to support the production and sustainment of the company’s Mine Warfare Drones for the Belgian and Dutch navies. The facility — launched at a ceremony attended by Hilde Crevits, Deputy Prime Minister of the Flemish government and Admiral Michel Hofman, Chief of Defence — is also expected to support other prospective contracts.

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10/06/2022

ECA Group Opens Its MCM Factory In Belgium

Naval News

This state-of-the-art facility will be dedicated to the production and support of the Mine Warfare Drones of ECA Group, one of the world leaders in Mine Counter Measures solutions. Already the hundreds of drones contracted by the Belgium and Dutch Navies are due to be manufactured and support in this facility with deliveries starting in 2024. In parallel, this facility will also serve the other contracts and prospects of ECA Group. Lean manufacturing of AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicles), efficient supply chain management, and demonstrations to customers will be the core of its activities

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