Spanish Navy Tests Exail R7 Underwater Drone for Mine Countermeasures in Balearic Sea

The Spanish Navy recently conducted successful trials of the Exail R7 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during a mine countermeasures exercise in the Balearic Sea. This exercise was an important step in enhancing Spain’s underwater defense and mine detection capabilities.

This trial took place after Spain received a new Exail R7 system in April, boosting the navy’s fleet of anti-mine systems. Alongside its existing Remus unmanned underwater vehicles, the addition of the R7 strengthens Spain’s ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats, especially naval mines.

During the exercise, the Exail R7 was tasked with locating and inspecting underwater mines such as the Manta and Rockan. These are types of cylindrical explosives typically hidden in shallow waters, near the seabed, or around sunken wrecks. The R7 effectively detected and scanned these threats, transmitting clear, real-time images to operators on the surface via a 300-meter fiber optic cable.

The Spanish Navy confirmed that the R7’s trials successfully proved its efficiency and reliability in underwater mine inspections. Its ability to deliver direct image analysis allows naval mine warfare teams to quickly respond to potential threats while keeping divers out of harm’s way.

A spokesperson from the Spanish Navy’s Very Shallow Water Team highlighted the importance of staying updated with new technology. They pointed out that while the REMUS system has its uses, the Exail R7 brings new capabilities, such as a gripper arm that can cut cables or retrieve objects if necessary.

Exail R7 ROV: Features and Specifications

The Exail R7 ROV is built with a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to deploy in various underwater operations. It serves not only for mine detection but also for search and rescue missions, maritime recovery, underwater infrastructure inspections, and diver support tasks.

Some of its key features include:

• Weight: Less than 35 kilograms (77 pounds)

• Length: 78 centimeters (31 inches)

• Depth Range: Can dive up to 300 meters (984 feet)

• Speed: Capable of moving at 3 knots (around 6 kilometers or 3 miles per hour)

• Thrusters: Equipped with seven multi-directional thrusters for enhanced maneuverability in any direction, both horizontally and vertically

The R7’s fiber optic cable ensures stable communication and image transmission, even in challenging underwater environments. Its design includes optional tools such as a gripper arm, offering operational flexibility in mine neutralization and underwater object retrieval.

Today, the Exail R7 is in use with more than 50 naval services around the world, underlining its growing reputation as a dependable tool for underwater defense and safety missions.

With successful trials like these, the Spanish Navy continues to strengthen its capabilities in underwater operations, ensuring better safety for its personnel and securing maritime environments against hidden threats.