EXAIL unveiled Neptis, its new integrated autonomous maritime surveillance system designed to coordinate distributed autonomous assets. Built around the new Oryx family of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), defence-grade payloads and an integrated mission command-and-control system, Neptis is designed to extend the reach and persistence of maritime surveillance.
Designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), critical undersea infrastructure protection (CUIP) and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) missions, Neptis acts as a force multiplier while preserving high-value crewed platforms for the missions where they matter most. By connecting distributed sensors above, on and below the surface into a coordinated autonomous capability, Neptis provides naval forces with a broader, more persistent operational picture, enabling faster decision-making.
Exail Head of Maritime Autonomous Systems Sébastien Grall said:“Naval surveillance has traditionally relied on sending valuable ships and crews into the areas that need to be monitored. Autonomous systems fundamentally change that equation. With Neptis, navies can establish persistent presence across much larger areas, multiply their surveillance capacity and reduce the burden on crews and operators. The objective is to sustain that presence over time, support faster, better-informed decisions at sea and expand surveillance capacity without proportionally increasing the number of personnel dedicated to these missions.”
To enable this new operational model, Exail draws on the experience gained with UMIS, its proven mine countermeasures system, where multiple surface and underwater unmanned platforms, mission payloads and communications are integrated and coordinated within a single system. With Neptis, Exail extends this system-integration expertise to a broader range of naval operational requirements.
Supervising, Coordinating, And Operating Multiple Autonomous Assets
At the core of Neptis, the command-and-control system enables operators to supervise and coordinate multiple autonomous platforms within a common operational environment. Its modular architecture can combine tactical track visualisation, mission planning, classification, advanced data fusion, AI-assisted decision support and interoperability with higher-level command systems, according to each navy’s operational requirements and existing C2 environment.
Oryx: A New Series Of USVs For Naval Missions
As part of the Neptis system, the Oryx Series offers a range of autonomous surface vessels designed for diverse naval Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). Specifically developed for naval missions, these USVs build on Exail’s extensive experience in designing and operating robust, long-endurance, low-signature platforms. The Oryx H-8, H-9 and O-16 address different endurance, deployment and payload requirements across coastal, offshore and multi-sensor naval missions.
A Disruptive Model, Built On Proven Technologies
Neptis combines a disruptive approach to maritime surveillance with technologies and operational experience already proven at sea. It draws on Exail’s expertise in robotics, high-performance navigation and long-endurance USVs. Exail USVs have navigated over 1.5 million nautical miles across the globe, logging in excess of 300,000 operational hours in civil and defence missions. The company has sold close to 100 USVs worlwide across the DriX and Inspector range with proven survivability and navigation capabilities, able to navigate Sea State 7 conditions.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:EXAIL)
