L&T partners France-based Exail for Indian Navy’s unmanned mine countermeasure suite

Larsen & Toubro has entered into a strategic collaboration with France-based Exail to deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter Measure Suite for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Mine Counter Measure Vessels programme.

The company informed the exchanges on May 14, 2026, that L&T and Exail will jointly provide the Indian Navy with a state-of-the-art unmanned MCM suite incorporating autonomous and remotely operated systems. These systems are designed to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines in a safe stand-off manner.

L&T, as the prime contractor, will offer the unmanned MCM suite to all shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s upcoming programme for 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels. Exail will act as the technology partner for the programme.

According to the company, the partnership will enable delivery of Exail’s globally proven mine countermeasure technologies, which are already in operation with several navies worldwide and validated through real-world deployments.

L&T said the collaboration marks a major step towards strengthening India’s mine countermeasure capabilities, enhancing maritime security and reinforcing Indo-French defence cooperation. The programme is also aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, with a focus on local industrial collaboration and capability development.

Arun Ramchandani, Senior VP and Head of Precision Engineering and Systems at L&T, said the partnership brings together L&T’s defence products legacy and maritime capabilities with Exail’s expertise in unmanned maritime systems and mine warfare technologies.

Jérôme Bendell, CEO of Maritime Systems Business Line at Exail, said the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to support the long-term development of sovereign unmanned maritime systems in India and contribute to local production of next-generation naval drones and autonomous mission systems.

Overall, the L&T-Exail partnership strengthens India’s unmanned maritime defence capabilities and positions L&T as a key prime contractor for the Indian Navy’s upcoming mine countermeasure vessel programme.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted by Larsen & Toubro to the stock exchanges. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks.