Exail Secures Sale of DriX H-9 Long-range Uncrewed Surface Vessel to Leading Global Hydrographic Authority

Exail has secured the sale of its new long-range Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV), the DriX H-9, to a leading global hydrographic authority. This milestone marks the successful expansion of Exail’s portfolio of autonomous solutions for both commercial and defense markets, reinforcing its position as a key player in the rapidly growing USV sector.

Building on the success of the DriX H-8, the new H-9 model delivers up to 20 days of autonomous endurance, increased payload capacity and enhanced flexibility to support a wide range of maritime missions. Designed to address the growing demand for persistent, over-the-horizon (OTH) surveys, the DriX H-9 minimizes offshore logistics while extending operational reach—key requirements in sectors such as offshore energy and subsea infrastructure and naval surveillance.

The H-9 can carry multiple geophysical sensors simultaneously, such as side-scan sonar, magnetometer, multi-beam echo sounder and sub-bottom profilers. Its aft launch and recovery system enables deployment of towed sensors and inspection class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), supporting tasks such as seabed mapping and infrastructure inspection. An adaptable mast allows integration of additional sensors such as optical systems and advanced communications equipment, for maritime domain awareness missions.

Like the DriX H-8, the H-9 features a gondola architecture optimized for hydroacoustic sensors, ensuring high-quality, stable data collection. A common architecture framework across the DriX Series further simplifies fleet integration, enabling shared spares and streamlined maintenance.

“With this sale of the H-9, alongside the recent success of the DriX O-16, the DriX series is becoming a true reality at sea — enabling operations from shallow to deep waters, with expanding endurance, the ability to embark a wide range of sensors, and the capability to launch and recover various assets,” said Sébastien Grall, Head of Maritime Autonomy activity. “With its maturity, reliability, and widespread adoption by both civilian and military customers worldwide, the DriX Series continues to set the standard for high-performance USV operations and strengthens Exail’s leadership in the rapidly evolving autonomous maritime systems market.

The DriX H-9 is scheduled to be delivered in 2026. As global interest in autonomous maritime technologies accelerates, Exail is affirming its strategic position in the USV market—delivering robust, mission-ready platforms that meet the evolving needs of operators worldwide.

DriX Series
Since its introduction in 2017, the DriX USV has amassed over 500,000 nm of operations in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments. Trusted by leading hydrographic agencies, navies, and offshore operators across the five continents, DriX has been deployed for missions ranging from seabed mapping to environmental monitoring, subsea infrastructure inspection, rapid environmental assessment (REA) or Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance. Its proven performance and operational reliability have established it as one of the most widely adopted high end USVs in the industry.