Exail DriX USV selected for C-UAS research
An Exail DriX USV. The H-9 variant has been selected for C-UAS research by an unspecified defence research organisation. (Exail)
Exail's DriX H-9 unmanned surface vehicle (USV) has been selected by an unspecified defence research organisation for research into counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) operations, the company announced on 16 April 2026.
The DriX H-9 to be delivered will integrate “advanced sensor technologies to detect, track, and mitigate aerial threats. The system will leverage proven C-UAS technology initially developed for land platforms and now adapted for the maritime domain”, Exail said. The H-9 is a long-range version of the DriX USV. H-9 has a displacement of 2.1 tonnes, a length of 9 m, an endurance of up to 20 days, and a 2,000 n mile range.
The news follows several recent defence acquisitions of the DriX USV. In January 2026, Exail announced that “the innovation branch of a leading navy” had ordered the H-9, which is to be equipped for C-UAS missions. In the same month, Exail announced that France's Naval Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine: SHOM) had selected the DriX H-9 USV to expand its hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities. SHOM had previously acquired a DriX H-8 USV in December 2024.
In June 2025, Exail announced that it had secured a defence contract with a European nation for five DriX H-8 USVs. The H-8s, Exail said at the time, will perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
For more, please see: Exail to supply Drix USVs for undisclosed European customerFrance's SHOM selects Exail's DriX H-8 USV
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