Strategic Alliance Enhances France’s Long-Range Loitering Munitions Capabilities
Thales and Boreal Forge Innovative Partnership
On June 17, 2025, Thales announced a significant collaboration with Boreal, a subsidiary within the diverse MISTRAL Group specializing in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies. This partnership aims to bolster France’s defense industrial and technological framework by developing an advanced suite of sovereign long-range loitering munitions. These systems promise an unparalleled amalgamation of efficiency, reliability, and operational capability, with projections for market readiness by 2026.
Advancements in Long-Range Munitions
The forthcoming long-range loitering munition, designated MTO-LP (Munition Télé-Opérée – Longue Portée), is engineered to fulfill the tactical requirements of both French and NATO forces. Notable attributes include:
- Extensive Range: Capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometers away, with potential for further extension.
- Rapid Deployment: Designed for swift operational activation by two personnel in under 30 minutes.
- Mass Launch Capability: Up to ten munitions can be deployed simultaneously, enhancing operational coordination.
This adaptable system is constructively versatile, allowing it to cater to a myriad of mission scenarios. Its payload is designed with rigorous safety and security standards and is platform-agnostic, effectively minimizing logistical challenges related to transport and storage, especially in combat environments.
Development Roadmap and Production Goals
The MTO-LP’s development trajectory includes a milestone for initial operational capability slated for 2026, with annual production aiming for 1,000 units. Future enhancements are planned for 2027, which will introduce:
- Counter-Vulnerability Mechanisms: Improving the system’s resilience against enemy threats.
- Expanded Mission Profiles: Allowing for a greater variety of tactical applications.
- Enhanced Effectivity: Introducing diverse effectors for conducting long-range military operations.
Flight testing is projected to commence in the summer of 2025, setting the stage for rigorous evaluation prior to operational deployment.
Strengthening the Defense Industrial Landscape
This partnership not only fortifies France’s military capabilities but also boosts the operational capacity of Boreal as a medium-sized enterprise. It underscores the importance of collaboration within the EU defense ecosystem, presenting further partnership prospects in Belgium.
Eric Normant, Vice President of Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales, expressed enthusiasm about this collaborative venture. He highlighted Boreal’s distinguished reputation in drone technology and emphasized the synergy that will enable the creation of a high-performance solution tailored to meet pressing operational needs by 2026.
Conclusion
The strategic alliance between Thales and Boreal signals a transformative step in enhancing France’s defense arsenal, particularly within the realm of long-range loitering munitions. By integrating advanced UAV technologies with a focus on operational readiness and adaptability, this partnership is poised to play a critical role in modern military engagements and exemplifies the evolving landscape of defense collaborations in Europe.
