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French Navy Tests DriX H8 USV for Integration with Amphibious Helicopter Carriers.
As surface drones gain increasing relevance in the naval domain, the French Navy has conducted trials to assess the operational potential of the DriX H8, an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) developed by the French company Exail. This initiative is part of a rapid experimentation operation (OER), funded by the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and carried out by the Navy’s Naval Programs Expertise Center (CEPN) from the Toulon naval base. The objective is to evaluate the ability of naval personnel to operate this type of drone autonomously and explore potential applications for operational use.
Between March 3 and 7, CEPN personnel underwent training provided by Exail before conducting a series of tests on connectivity, maneuverability, and sensor performance (Picture source: French MoD)
The DriX H8, already ordered by the French Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOM) for seabed mapping missions, is a 7.7-meter-long, 82-centimeter-wide drone constructed from composite materials and powered by a 38-horsepower diesel engine. Its keel houses various sensors, including a sonar, an underwater object locator, and a multibeam echo sounder. Capable of navigating at seven knots for up to a week, its integration into amphibious forces opens up new tactical possibilities, particularly for reconnaissance and environmental data collection.
Between March 3 and 7, CEPN personnel underwent training provided by Exail before conducting a series of tests on connectivity, maneuverability, and sensor performance. The purpose of this initial phase was to familiarize operators with the system while identifying risks associated with deploying the DriX H8 aboard an amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA). These tests were conducted from a land-based control center at Toulon Naval Base, demonstrating the feasibility of remote drone operations.
Following the technical phase, the DriX H8 was deployed in Exercise Dragoon Fury 25, which takes place off the Île du Levant and involves French amphibious forces. In this context, the drone is used to collect acoustic and environmental data essential for operations, contributing to a detailed tactical picture. Its ability to operate discreetly in coastal areas makes it a potential asset for reconnaissance missions ahead of a landing or for monitoring a maritime zone.
Although initially designed for hydrographic missions, the DriX H8’s capabilities extend beyond this scope. When deployed from an amphibious helicopter carrier’s well deck, it could be used to map the seabed before a military operation, detect underwater threats, or provide real-time surveillance of an operational area. Its modularity also allows it to tow the FlipiX system, an Exail underwater glider equipped with additional sensors, enhancing its data collection capabilities.
At the same time, Exail is developing a larger model, the DriX O-16, which began sea trials in 2024. Measuring 16 meters in length and weighing over 10 tons, this transoceanic version has an autonomy of 30 days and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. It could be equipped with more advanced sensors for deep-sea missions and integrate underwater warfare systems, such as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
The French Navy, like other European naval forces such as the Royal Netherlands Navy, is exploring the role of surface drones in naval combat and anti-submarine warfare. As these technologies continue to evolve, the integration of systems like the DriX H8 reflects efforts to adapt naval capabilities to contemporary operational challenges. These trials are expected to refine the operational concepts for these platforms and determine the adjustments needed for deployment across various naval units.