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An Australian SME has joined the newly merged entity’s push to deliver next-generation mine countermeasure capabilities to the ADF.
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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.
This includes integration in drone mission management software UMISOFT, which forms part of Exail’s DM (data management) module.
The partnership may also expand to involve collaboration on other military applications, including military survey and seabed warfare capability, as well as civil maritime applications.
David Battle, co-director of Mission Systems, welcomed the opportunity to support Exail’s offering.
“We look forward to bringing our unique real-time mission simulation and accelerated machine learning technologies to support the development of Exail’s naval drones and we are especially excited about the prospect of supplying advanced technologies to the Australian Navy and allied navies around the world,” he said.
Sébastien Tauvry, marine data processing product manager at Exail, noted the benefits of integrating the Australian SME’s technology.
“We are delighted to be integrating Mission Systems technology in our drone management systems,” he said.
“Their solutions for advanced simulation and for machine learning will enable us to offer our customers improved performance and faster mission times, while reducing operator workload.”
Mission Systems is the latest company to join Exail’s bid to support 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 Exail-led team is competing against Saab Australia, which recently launched its bid alongside Leidos Australia, SeeByte and Sonartech Atlas.
[Related: ECA Group and iXblue merge under new entity]
