Belgian Defense has ordered six R7 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) from Exail. This state-of-the-art underwater vehicle will play a pivotal role in enhancing the Belgian Armed Forces capabilities for inspection and disposal of underwater explosive ordnance (EOD), safeguarding harbors, coastal areas, ships and key infrastructures.
“We would like to thank the Belgian Defense for the trust they place in us by selecting the R7 ROV. This order from a nation renowned for its expertise in underwater operations, confirms the R7’s capabilities for critical infrastructure protection, explosive ordnance disposal and inspection missions up to 300m depth,” said Nicolas Astruc, Managing Director of ROV at Exail.
“The introduction of ROV R7s in the Belgian Navy marks a significant advance in the protection of Belgian waters; for underwater explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) inspection and removal, security of ports, coastal areas, ships and key infrastructures. This initiative demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to continuously improving its capabilities and ensuring the safety of both its personnel and the environment in which they operate.” Stated the Belgian Defense
The R7 ROV is a cost-efficient, compact, and versatile Remotely Operated Vehicle that is easy to deploy and operate from small boats such as RHIBs or from the shore. This cutting-edge ROV can easily accommodate a robotic arm and several payloads, making it a versatile robot capable of carrying out a wide range of missions.
For EOD neutralization missions, the R7 carries a special payload equipped with a neutralization charge. Highly accurate positioning is ensured by the R7’s embedded INS, DVL and USBL sensors. In addition, the ROV is equipped with a multibeam sonar and an Orphie 12S camera for precise target detection and identification in the most challenging conditions.
Exail is a leading high-tech industrial group specializing in cutting-edge robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace and photonics technologies. With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Exail delivers unrivaled performance, reliability and safety to its civil and defense clients operating in severe environments. From the deep sea to outer space, Exail expands their capabilities with a full range of robust in-house manufactured components, products and systems.
Employing a workforce of 1,500 people worldwide, the company benefits from a global footprint and conducts its business in over 80 countries.
Exail was formed by ECA Group and iXblue joining forces in 2022. It is a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé, a family-owned company specialized in high-technology.
