Unmanned Operations

Integrating drones and robots on the battlefield to multiply engagement efficiency

Drone warfare
Joint fire support
Unmanned operations

Drones & robots provide a large array of additional operational capabilities (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, observation, engagement, route clearance, etc.) while keeping humans safe.

Featured use case

When drones, robots and soldiers must act as one — who ensures they speak the same language? Thales does.

Collaborative combat
Drone warfare
Unmanned operations

State-of-the-art connectivity and interoperability unleash the power of drones and robots

By dramatically scaling up the number of sensors, data streams and coordination points, drones and robots create new opportunities in military operations of all kinds and illustrate the paramount importance of security, resilience and interoperability.

Drones and Robots Use Case Series

Beyond connectivity, three more dimensions define the future of unmanned operations. Explore Thales's full tactical vision.

AI-Augmented ISTAR Capabilities for Armoured Units: Enhancing Operational Effectiveness

Multiplication of effects at low marginal cost using ISR drones and loitering munitions

Orchestrating the Use of Tactical Drones and Robots on the Battlefield

Up to 5 hours

autonomy with our Mini UAS ISR systems
1kg warhead

on the TOUTATIS Loitering Munition
#1

on CoHoMa II (DGA challenge on cooperation of autonomous robots and UAS)

For land forces, there are two main types of unmanned technologies whose roles differ on the battlefield. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, are autonomous platforms with various payloads for diverse missions, performed in the air. Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can be drones or robots when using feature specific extensions, like hydraulic arms, for completing complex tasks autonomously on the ground.

Thales' Mini UAS ISR Platforms deliver essential real-time intelligence, enabling artillery or loitering munitions to offer precision targeting in challenging conditions.

By combining drones of different types into autonomous swarms, their efficiency is multiplied while reducing both the cognitive burden on operators, as well as their numbers.

To meet the Armed Forces' capability enhancement needs, Thales' contact mini-drones portfolio includes lightweight, discreet, and enduring drones that can be deployed in less than 5 minutes with a minimal logistical footprint, as well as larger, robust drones capable of carrying two types of payloads for both frontline unit's or Special Forces' missions.

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The short-range, multi-environment TOUTATIS LM can be deployed by an infantryman, launched from a vehicle, or dropped from an aerial or naval carrier. Designed for high-intensity operations, TOUTATIS can operate under GNSS denial and electromagnetic jamming conditions. Equipped with a next-generation 1 kg military warhead, interchangeable depending on the desired effect, TOUTATIS is capable of neutralising targets such as light armored vehicles, while keeping the user in the decision loop throughout the mission.

Toutatis - Thales loitering munition © Blue Production

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In high-intensity combat scenarios, drone swarms enable a significant reduction in the number of operators as well as their cognitive burden. In addition, the level of autonomy performed by Thales’ AI-based solution allows drones to operate without communication links, enabling the swarms to reconfigure themselves automatically, no matter what unpredictable event occurs, while keeping the operator safe.