Exail launches Neptis modular uncrewed maritime surveillance system
Exail has introduced the Neptis uncrewed maritime surveillance system, a modular platform integrating Oryx USVs and command-and-control software for naval ISR, ASW, and infrastructure protection missions.
Exail introduced the Neptis uncrewed maritime surveillance system during the Euronaval press tour. The system integrates Oryx-family uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), mission-specific sensors, and command-and-control software. It is designed to support persistent operations in maritime areas where access is restricted or the threat level is high. Exail describes Neptis as a "system of systems."
Neptis coordinates USVs, defense-grade sensors, and a mission command-and-control system for naval operations. It supports intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), critical undersea infrastructure protection (CUIP) and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) missions. The approach extends surveillance coverage and persistence. It reduces the need to deploy crewed vessels for monitoring missions. Neptis combines distributed sensors operating above, on, and below the water with autonomous platforms to provide naval forces with a broader operational picture.
Platform configurations and sensor integration
Neptis is built around Exail's new Oryx family of USVs, comprising three models. The Oryx series vessels are designed to address different endurance, deployment and payload requirements for coastal, offshore and multi-sensor naval missions.
| Model | Intended Role | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Oryx H-8 | Rapid deployment, coastal surveillance, local force protection | Compact, low logistical requirements, can be operated from ships or shore |
| Oryx H-9 | Coastal and offshore surveillance, multi-sensor missions | Mid-sized design |
| Oryx O-16 | Long-duration offshore operations, persistent surveillance, ASW | Can carry heavy payloads like towed sonars and equipment for underwater assets |
Oryx vessels carry sensors into the area of operations. For ISR missions, this includes monitoring sea lines of communication, strategic passages, ports and exclusive economic zone boundaries. Data from radar, electro-optical/infrared, Automatic Identification System and electronic warfare sensors contribute to the surface picture and help identify unusual behaviour.
For anti-submarine warfare, Oryx vessels can be equipped with acoustic payloads suited to the mission. Options include the use of towed sensors and links with other underwater assets. Exail says this configuration can extend the acoustic sensor field and support early detection. It allows crewed ASW units to conduct classification, tracking and response tasks.
The critical underwater infrastructure protection mission covers surveillance around subsea cables, pipelines, offshore energy installations and sensitive seabed infrastructure. Depending on the selected configuration, the system can combine a persistent surface presence with underwater sensing, anomaly detection and coordination with other uncrewed assets. Other missions include protecting naval bases, anchorages, high-value vessels, and gathering environmental and tactical information before or during amphibious operations. Oryx vessels are also intended to detect and track low-altitude airborne threats and suspicious surface contacts, transmitting validated tracks to command-and-control and air-defence units.
Operational use and naval relevance
Neptis is designed to support persistent operations in maritime areas where access is restricted or the threat level is high. The system can be controlled from shore or from a ship. Its command-and-control software manages platform supervision and communications, presenting collected information to operators. Relevant tracks and mission information can be shared with naval command authorities responsible for decisions and action.
Exail is drawing on its extensive experience with uncrewed systems. The company cited more than 1.5 million nautical miles handled by its USVs worldwide and over 300,000 operational hours across civil and defense missions. It reported sales of more than 90 USVs across its DriX and Inspector product ranges. According to Exail, its platforms have demonstrated survivability and navigation capabilities in Sea State 7 conditions.
The company cited participation in operations and exercises involving the US Navy, NATO and the French Navy. Exail says DriX vessels have participated in activities and exercises associated with the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59 and 4th Fleet. Exail also draws on its experience with UMIS, its integrated mine countermeasures system, which coordinates multiple surface and underwater uncrewed platforms, mission payloads and communications. With Neptis, it is extending its systems-integration approach beyond mine countermeasures to a wider range of naval missions.
Command, control, and future development
At the center of Neptis is a command-and-control system that allows operators to supervise and coordinate multiple autonomous platforms within a shared operational environment. The software is designed to retain human command for critical mission approval and retasking. The demonstrated capabilities were limited to platform supervision, tactical track visualisation, operator-led preliminary assessment and intelligence support.
Neptis has a modular architecture that can incorporate tactical track visualization, mission planning, classification, data fusion, AI-assisted decision support and interoperability with higher-level command systems. Mission planning, classification, advanced data fusion, decision support and interoperability with existing command systems are mentioned by the company as developments that can be tailored to customer requirements. Requirements for data processing, secure communications and integration with existing naval networks will be defined for each customer configuration.
Exail states it will open a new production facility in southern France to increase its USV manufacturing capacity.
