The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military alliance seeks to procure K-Ster C underwater mine disposal vehicles, K-Ster CT training vehicles, and associated equipment from Exail Robotics Belgium.
NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has placed an order worth over $66.8 million (60 million Euros) to the Belgium-based firm.
The advanced systems for mine disposal will primarily be used by the Belgian and Royal Netherlands navies.
The firm has, however, not revealed the number of the K-Ster C underwater mine disposal, and the training vehicles, which it will provide under the contract.
The underwater robots, according to the company, are capable of finding and destroying naval mines. They are expendable in nature, and can play a key role in increasing the defense capabilities of the navy.
According to the company, the K-Ster C mine disposal units for both the countries will be produced at its Belgian facility in Oostende, which is already producing a range of drones for the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navies as part of the modernization program of their Mine Counter Measure capabilities.
K-Ster C underwater mine disposal vehicle
The K-STER C vehicle is a lightweight expendable mine disposal vehicle dedicated to underwater mine warfare missions.
It allows operators to remotely neutralize a sea mine while keeping humans out of the minefield.
Carrying a sharp charge in its head which can tilt, K-ster c has an easy to use command and control software offers auto piloting functions and allows conducting the operation in a safe way from deployment to the final firing.
The underwater vehicle has undergone numerous tests and has proven its abilities.
The greatest benefit it offers is that of remote operation, meaning there is no need for direct human intervention. The drone can be operated from a control unit which could be located on a ship, unmanned surface vessel, or from land far away.
This drastically reduces the risks associated with mine disposal being conducted in the open seas, and in sometimes very dangerous locations.
The company states that K-ster can neutralize all kinds of mines deployed in the water- ranging from sea bottom, floating, to the new-age smart mines.
NATO’s push for drones
In the recent years, NATO has been looking for effective drones which can dominate in operations in the air, land, or sea.
The ongoing war in Ukraine against Russia has resulted in an unprecedented increase in the use of drones.
NATO has, therefore, taken note of the advancements in technology and is looking to procure effective drone technology to increase its defense, offense, and surveillance capabilities.
Earlier this year, NATO members bordering Russia had agreed to develop a drone wall in an effort to safeguard their external borders.
A drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland will be developed, according to Lithuanian Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė.
The alliance is also looking to buy effective counter-drone technology to boost its defense capabilities.
The most recent bid for mine-clearing underwater drones is also aimed at boosting the capabilities of its member nations.
Antony Penn, Chief Commercial Officer at Exail, said , “We are very happy to continue our support of the Belgian and Royal Netherlands Navies and NATO allies with our advanced mine disposal technology. This new contract is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for MCM operations.
“With our purpose- built facilities in Oostende, we are already fully equipped to deliver these new systems,” he added.
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