Thales, in collaboration with the UK firm Autonomous Devices, is set to revolutionize military operations through the development of a drone-based electronic warfare (EW) solution designed for both naval and land forces. This innovative initiative will produce the EW-UAS1, which integrates Thales’ advanced electronic-warfare payload with a long-endurance, highly maneuverable drone provided by Autonomous Devices.
The EW-UAS1 will be offered as a comprehensive turnkey solution, focusing on electronic support capabilities that include detecting, identifying, and localizing threats. Furthermore, the platform will enable offensive electronic-attack operations, such as jamming enemy communications and radars. Both companies have confirmed that initial testing of the system is already in progress, with plans for continued evaluation throughout the year.
Marie Gayrel, Vice-President for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance at Thales, highlighted the significance of this development, describing it as a “technological game-changer” for armed forces. She emphasized its reliability in providing passive capabilities to counter contemporary threats while also offering long-range protection for strategic assets.
The creation of the EW-UAS1 is a direct response to the increasing need for both defensive and offensive electronic warfare solutions across military domains. For instance, the system can serve as a self-protection mechanism for ships, effectively detecting and neutralizing incoming anti-ship missiles through electronic countermeasures. This approach not only enhances safety but also reduces dependency on kinetic weapons.
Additionally, the drone’s capabilities extend to proactive protection of sensitive assets on land and at sea, utilizing jamming techniques to disrupt enemy radar and targeting systems. This bolsters theater-level electronic defense measures, ensuring a wider detection coverage and providing crucial early warnings of potential threats.
With a rapid repositioning capability, the drone can effectively intercept and analyze enemy radar emissions, including weapon guidance and surveillance. By jamming or altering these signals, it creates a false radar depiction that confuses enemy operators and diverts missiles away from protected assets.
Ken Wahren, the CEO of Autonomous Devices, remarked on the significance of this collaborative effort, stating that the integration of these cutting-edge technologies promises to enhance electronic warfare capabilities significantly. He expressed confidence that this agreement marks a substantial milestone toward delivering these advanced solutions to military personnel on the front lines, equipping them to confront evolving threats more effectively.
