Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has formed a strategic collaboration with France-based Exail to deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy. Serving as the prime contractor, L&T will supply these autonomous systems for the upcoming programme for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels. This partnership aims to bolster India’s maritime security while fostering indigenous defence manufacturing in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Advancing Naval Mine Countermeasures
On May 14, 2026, Larsen & Toubro announced a significant technological collaboration with Exail, a global leader in unmanned maritime systems. The partnership focuses on equipping the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art Unmanned MCM Suites. These systems are specifically designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralise naval mines, ensuring the safety of maritime assets through advanced stand-off capabilities.
Strategic Industrial Impact
L&T will act as the prime contractor for the project, offering these sophisticated solutions to all shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s tender for 12 new Mine Counter Measure Vessels. This initiative is designed to integrate Exail’s globally proven technologies with L&T’s extensive expertise in defence engineering, indigenous manufacturing, and system integration.
Boosting Indigenous Capabilities
The collaboration represents a major advancement in Indo-French defence cooperation. Beyond immediate project delivery, the agreement emphasizes a shared commitment to building a self-reliant domestic ecosystem for unmanned maritime systems. By leveraging local industrial collaboration, the programme supports the long-term production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems within India, effectively strengthening the nation’s naval defence infrastructure.
Source: BSE
