Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies for defense and security, has entered into an agreement with Boreal UAS, a specialist in long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This collaboration is set to establish a production line for advanced long-range remote-operated munitions in France.
According to a press release issued by Boreal UAS, the partnership will focus on developing and manufacturing a comprehensive range of sovereign French long-range loitering munitions. This initiative aims to bolster France’s defense industrial and technological base by providing a unique combination of performance, availability, and dependability in this critical area. The innovative solution, based on mature platform and payload technologies, is expected to become available starting in 2026.
Eric Normant, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing Boreal’s pioneering role in drone technology and the recognized long endurance capabilities of their UAVs. He mentioned that by integrating Boreal’s agility with Thales’s industrial capacity, they intend to create a high-performance solution that addresses genuine operational needs and will be ready for deployment by 2026.
The long-range loitering munition (MTO-LP1) is designed to fulfill the operational requirements of both France and other NATO forces. The system boasts range capabilities of several hundred kilometers, with the potential for further extension. It is engineered for straightforward deployment by two operators in under 30 minutes, and up to 10 munitions can be launched simultaneously for coordinated operations. The versatility of the solution allows for easy adaptation to various use cases, while its payload prioritizes safety and security, being platform-agnostic to streamline logistical requirements in operational theaters.
The development roadmap for the MTO-LP includes an initial operational capability in 2026, with an annual production target of 1,000 warheads. Subsequent advancements in 2027 are planned to integrate counter-vulnerability features, enhanced mission profiles, and a diverse array of effectors for long-range military applications. Initial flight tests for the system are scheduled for the summer of 2025. This cooperation between Thales and Boreal is anticipated to strengthen France’s defense industrial and technological foundation by supporting Boreal’s industrial expansion and opening up additional partnership opportunities, including in Belgium.
