The Belgian Ministry of Defense has awarded a contract valued at nearly €9.9 million to Exail Robotics Belgium for the supply of TRIDENT mine countermeasure platforms to support the Ukrainian defense forces.
According to a procurement notice published on the Belgian e-Procurement platform, the contract was officially awarded to Exail Robotics Belgium on September 14, 2026. Valued at €9,866,476, the agreement covers the acquisition of three TRIDENT systems—standing for Tactical RHIB for Identification and Disposal of Explosive Naval Threats.
The platforms are specifically intended for the deployment and support of the K-STER C expendable mine disposal system to bolster Ukraine’s naval mine countermeasures capabilities amid the ongoing conflict. The procurement was handled via a negotiated procedure without prior competition, justified by the urgency of the Ukrainian crisis and the protection of exclusive intellectual property rights. Execution of the contract spans a duration of 24 months.
When Naval News reached out to Exail regarding the contract, the company declined to comment.
However, Naval News sources indicate that the TRIDENT designation aligns with the company’s UMIS light product line. This suggests this award could be related to Exail’s previously announced contract to supply a light, rapidly deployable MCM system to a European navy.
The acquisition underscores ongoing international efforts to equip Ukraine with advanced autonomous and remote-controlled maritime safety assets, specifically addressing the persistent threat of floating and moored naval mines in operational zones.
