Larsen & Toubro has entered into a strategic partnership with Exail to develop and deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy under its upcoming Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) programme.
Advanced Unmanned Systems For Naval Mine Warfare
According to the companies, the collaboration will provide the Indian Navy with a modern Unmanned MCM Suite featuring autonomous and remotely operated systems capable of detecting, classifying, identifying and neutralising naval mines in a safe stand-off manner.
Under the partnership, L&T will act as the prime contractor and offer the integrated MCM solution to shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s proposed programme for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels.
France-based Exail will serve as the technology partner and contribute its globally deployed mine warfare technologies that are already operational with several navies around the world.
Boost To India’s Maritime Security
The collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen India’s naval mine countermeasure capabilities and improve maritime security preparedness.
Officials said the partnership also reinforces Indo-French defence cooperation while supporting the development of a self-reliant naval defence manufacturing ecosystem in India.
The programme aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, with a focus on local industrial collaboration, indigenous manufacturing and capability development.
Focus On Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Commenting on the development, Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T, said the partnership combines L&T’s defence engineering and maritime integration capabilities with Exail’s operational expertise in unmanned maritime systems and mine warfare technologies.
He stated that L&T would leverage its strengths in indigenous manufacturing, complex system integration and lifecycle support for the programme.
Jerome Bendell, CEO of Exail’s Maritime Systems Business Line, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to support the long-term development of sovereign unmanned maritime systems in India.
He added that the partnership could contribute to the local development and production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems.
