EURONAVAL 2026: Exail introduces Marins M1, a high-precision navigation system for small craft and naval drones

How can military vessels and uncrewed systems navigate safely when satellite GPS signals are jammed, spoofed, or entirely unavailable? French technology group Exail addresses this operational challenge with the launch of the Marins M1, a compact inertial navigation system (INS) tailored for smaller naval platforms and autonomous craft.

Historically, military-grade navigation systems capable of operating independently of GPS were restricted to large surface warships and submarines. Their size, weight, power consumption, and cost made them impossible to integrate into light, tactical craft. The Marins M1 bridges this gap by bringing high-performance inertial navigation to smaller platforms, including fast interceptors, rigid inflatable boats (RHIBs), patrol craft, as well as uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and underwater vehicles (UUVs).

To maintain continuous accurate positioning without satellite aid, the system relies on Exail’s sea-proven Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) technology. The Marins M1 continuously computes the vessel’s exact position, heading, pitch, and roll metrics. Even after three full hours operating in a completely GPS-denied environment, the system maintains a maximum position drift under 1 nautical mile.

By packaging this advanced capability into a compact footprint at a more accessible price point, Exail enables naval forces to equip their fast tactical craft and expanding drone fleets with the same navigation resilience previously reserved for major combatants.

Building on the legacy of the Marins INS series currently serving over 50 navies worldwide, Exail will showcase the Marins M1 at EURONAVAL 2026 in Paris from November 3 to 6.