Drones are transforming modern warfare. Fast, cost-effective, and protective, they are essential on today’s battlefield. But the next frontier is drone swarms, which promise to multiply the capabilities of individual drones. The shift from single drones to swarms requires cutting-edge operational systems. In October 2024, Thales and its partners showcased ground-breaking advancements in military drone swarm technology at the JDEC event.
The challenge: expanding drone use
Although drones are increasingly deployed, their use remains limited. In Ukraine, for example, operators typically manage just one drone at a time, constrained by radio frequencies and operator numbers. This limits their full potential.
The power of swarms: speed, saturation, strategy
Drone swarms enhance the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), delivering critical saturation and decoy effects. Deploying large numbers of drones in coordinated swarms offers immense strategic value. The challenge is ensuring seamless control, even without a stable data link.
Technological solutions for swarm operations
Current systems can coordinate drones along pre-programmed paths, but they aren’t suited for high-intensity, unpredictable combat. Emerging autonomous systems show promise, allowing drones to adapt without operator intervention, though they still require a working radio link.
Thales’ approach: autonomy with control
Thales’ solution balances autonomy with operator oversight. Through intelligent agents and AI on drones, each performs tasks autonomously while the operator manages coordination. This approach uses Tactical Autonomy Contracts, ensuring predictable, reliable swarm behavior.
U²MS: empowering precision and control
U²MS is transforming battlefield operations with its next-gen drone station, already in service with military forces like Spy’C/SMDR. Seamlessly integrating with top-tier C4I systems such as ATLAS, Delta Suite, ATAK, and SICS, U²MS offers unmatched versatility. Its open architecture allows smooth integration with partner drones like Novadem or Parrot. By embedding contact drones into the air-land combat bubble, it gives artillery observers an advanced aerial “eye”, speeding up fire maneuvering in real time. With robust multi-drone Command and Control (C2) capabilities, U²MS is the ultimate solution for swarm operations and future drone/MTO missions.
COHESION: shaping the future of swarm operations
Building on the success of COHOMA, Thales’ COHESION enables drones to autonomously adjust their paths in real-time, acting cohesively as a swarm. With AI, drones follow autonomy contracts, ensuring smooth operator control over mission-critical moments.
Its adaptable platform allows to evolve with user needs and integrates new functionalities developed by Thales’ partners. Demonstrated successfully at JDEC 2024, it marks a major leap in military drone swarm capabilities.
Thales leads the way
Thales is setting new standards in military drone swarm technology. With COHESION and future solutions like Swarm Master, Thales is revolutionizing how military forces deploy and manage drone swarms on the battlefield.
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