Exail Secures Contract with Belgian Army to Supply Autonomous Demining Technologies
Exail, a global company specializing in autonomous demining solutions, announced on September 18, 2024, the signing of a new contract with the Belgian Combat Engineer platoons and the Engineering School to deliver eight Cameleon LG robots. These systems are specifically designed for demining operations, offering high maneuverability and stability in challenging environments. This strategic partnership reflects the growing need for agile, robust, and adaptable robots to protect human lives while ensuring the precise and efficient execution of missions.
The Cameleon LG is a lightweight and compact unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed for rapid deployment during emergency interventions. It provides optimized maneuverability and stability in hostile environments, with remote operation capabilities and real-time hazard detection. This technology reduces the risks for personnel by allowing operators to manage hazardous tasks from a safe distance, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in difficult conditions.
“We would like to thank the Belgian Armed Forces for their continued trust in our solutions. This agreement strengthens the ten-year partnership between Exail and the Belgian Combat Engineers, demonstrating our shared commitment to innovation, safety, and advanced defense solutions in the field. By leveraging Exail’s expertise, organizations can significantly enhance both security and operational efficiency. We remain committed to evolving our technology to support our partners in their critical missions,” stated Lionel Rosellini, head of demining activities at Exail.
The Cameleon family of robots includes different variants to address various operational needs. The Cameleon LG, delivered under this contract, features remote operation capabilities and real-time threat detection, enhancing the safety of demining operations. Other models, such as the Cameleon C, are designed for military, police, fire services, and other first responders in nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical (NRBC) missions. The Cameleon LG-E is a mini-UGV dedicated to the disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and demining missions.
This contract with the Belgian Army reinforces a decade-long partnership between Exail and the Belgian Combat Engineer units. The Cameleon LG robots will be used to enhance demining capabilities, a task that remains both dangerous and demanding. The Cameleon LG’s lightweight and compact design, combined with its advanced detection and remote operation capabilities, make it an essential tool for interventions in the most difficult environments.
Exail, whose Belgian division, Exail Robotics Belgium, recently secured a €60 million contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply underwater mine disposal vehicles to the Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy, continues to expand its presence in demining technologies. Earlier this month, Exail was also selected by Naval Group to provide its Phins inertial navigation systems and Netans data distribution units for the French Navy’s patrol vessels.
The current agreement for the delivery of Cameleon LG robots marks an important step in the ongoing collaboration between Exail and the Belgian Armed Forces. It underscores the increasing need for autonomous and adaptable demining solutions to address security requirements in an ever-evolving threat landscape.