Jellyfish-XL

Jellyfish-XL overview

The Jellyfish-XL is an autonomous underwater vehicle developed by ECA Group (now part of the ECA Robotics division) of France for mine countermeasures and underwater survey operations. The compact AUV is designed for deployment from surface vessels or shore-based platforms, carrying mine detection sonar, cameras, and optional mine neutralization systems. The Jellyfish-XL can operate autonomously in shallow and medium-depth waters, conducting systematic surveys to detect and classify underwater mines.

The Jellyfish-XL is part of ECA Group's comprehensive mine countermeasures solution that includes surface USVs (the Inspector series) and underwater vehicles working together as an integrated mine hunting system. This combined approach allows the entire mine clearance operation to be conducted without putting manned vessels or divers in the minefield. As of 2025, the Jellyfish-XL system has been adopted by the French Navy and other NATO forces as part of their mine warfare modernization programs. Its significance lies in the integrated unmanned mine countermeasures concept it represents, where autonomous surface and underwater vehicles work together to find and neutralize mines without human risk.

Armament

None (survey/ISR only)

Development and operational timeline

1. Sep 2016ECA Group unveils Jellyfish-XL mine countermeasures AUV
2. Jun 2018Jellyfish-XL completes mine detection trials in Mediterranean
3. Nov 2020French Navy adopts Jellyfish system for MCM modernization
4. Mar 2023Jellyfish-XL participates in NATO mine warfare exercise
5. Aug 2024ECA delivers upgraded Jellyfish-XL with improved autonomy