Exail Secures First Sale of Long-Range DriX H-9 USV, Strengthening Its Leadership in Maritime Autonomy

Paris, August 2025 – French maritime technology leader Exail has announced the first sale of its new DriX H-9 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) to a leading global hydrographic authority, marking a major step forward in the company’s expansion within the fast-growing autonomous systems market.

A leap in endurance and capability

The DriX H-9 is the successor to the proven DriX H-8 and offers up to 20 days of autonomous operation, doubling the endurance of its predecessor. Designed for both commercial and defense applications, the H-9 provides greater payload capacity and flexibility, allowing it to simultaneously carry advanced geophysical sensors including side-scan sonar, magnetometer, multi-beam echo sounder, and sub-bottom profilers.

Equipped with an aft launch and recovery system, the vessel can also deploy towed sensors and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), enabling missions such as seabed mapping, subsea infrastructure inspection, and naval surveillance. Its gondola architecture reduces acoustic interference and ensures the highest quality hydrographic data.

The H-9’s adaptable mast supports a range of optical systems and communications equipment for maritime domain awareness. Built with a common framework across the DriX fleet, the vessel offers simplified integration, streamlined spare parts management, and easier maintenance.

Dual-use appeal and industry adoption

While the new H-9 is headed to a hydrographic authority, industry observers note that the sale also highlights growing defense interest in uncrewed surface vessels. Several navies have already adopted the earlier H-8 model for surveillance and intelligence-gathering.

Since the series was introduced in 2017, DriX vessels have accumulated more than 500,000 nautical miles of operations worldwide, serving hydrographic agencies, offshore operators, and naval forces across five continents. Their missions range from environmental monitoring and seabed surveys to strategic reconnaissance.

Lower costs, greener operations

Exail emphasizes that the H-9 not only improves endurance but also delivers significant cost efficiency and sustainability benefits. Compared to traditional survey vessels, the DriX series can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 95 percent, making it a cleaner solution for long-duration offshore work.

The USV also supports over-the-horizon operations, leveraging satellite, 4G, and Wi-Fi communications. With a robust design capable of handling sea state 5, the H-9 ensures reliable performance in demanding offshore conditions.

Delivery and future outlook

Delivery of the first DriX H-9 is scheduled for 2026, and the sale follows Exail’s recent success with the DriX O-16, a larger model designed for deep-water missions. Together, the H-8, H-9, and O-16 provide a scalable fleet of solutions that cover shallow to deep-sea operations.

“With this sale of the H-9, alongside the success of the DriX O-16, the DriX series is becoming a true reality at sea — enabling operations with greater endurance, versatility, and advanced sensor deployment,” said Sébastien Grall, Head of Maritime Autonomy at Exail. “With its reliability and widespread adoption, the DriX series continues to set the standard for high-performance USV operations worldwide.”

Shaping the future of maritime operations

The successful launch of the DriX H-9 signals the accelerating shift toward autonomous maritime technologies. With proven maturity, global adoption, and strong demand from both civilian and military operators, Exail’s DriX series is positioning itself as a benchmark in the future of ocean mapping, subsea infrastructure protection, and naval domain awareness