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Thales TOUTATIS Loitering Munition Enhances Tactical Autonomy in High-Altitude Combat.
During the first edition of the International Mountain Troops Summit, Thales presents TOUTATIS, a new-generation loitering munition developed in partnership with the French company Aeromapper. Designed for high-intensity operations, it provides the French Armed Forces with an autonomous and precise strike capability, adapted to complex environments, including those where communications and geolocation signals are disrupted. This technology allows engaged units, particularly in mountainous terrain, to neutralize mobile targets without direct exposure, enhancing both troop security and operational effectiveness.
Designed for rapid deployment, TOUTATIS is compatible with multiple launch platforms, including ground vehicles, portable launch tubes, helicopters, and other drones. (Picture source: Army Recognition )
TOUTATIS aligns with the initiative launched by France in 2022 to strengthen domestic production of loitering munitions. Although Thales was not selected for the Colibri project, supported by the Defense Innovation Agency and the French Defense Procurement Agency, the company has continued investing independently in this field. The munition is equipped with a one-kilogram warhead, capable of inflicting significant damage on lightly armored vehicles. With a 45-minute endurance and a range of 10 kilometers, it exceeds the Colibri program's initial requirements, which called for a five-kilometer range and 30-minute endurance.
Designed for rapid deployment, TOUTATIS is compatible with multiple launch platforms, including ground vehicles, portable launch tubes, helicopters, and other drones. Its compact design, featuring an 85 cm wingspan with foldable wings, facilitates transport and field deployment. Once activated, the munition is operational in less than two minutes, ensuring rapid response in critical situations.
Its interoperability with reconnaissance and surveillance drones such as Spy’Ranger, Noctua, and Grizzly is another key feature. These drones can detect and identify targets before transmitting their coordinates to TOUTATIS, enabling a targeted strike without direct human intervention in the field. This integration enhances engagement precision and improves coordination between forces in operation.
In a mountainous environment, TOUTATIS offers a tactical advantage for specialized troops operating at high altitudes. Rugged terrain and the lack of accessible roads often limit the use of traditional artillery systems. With its ease of transport and immediate strike capability, this munition provides mountain units with an autonomous and effective offensive tool, reducing reliance on conventional support. Additionally, its resistance to electronic jamming allows it to operate in environments where GPS signals and communications are compromised, a crucial factor for high-altitude operations.
TOUTATIS is part of a broader technological innovation strategy led by Thales, which is also working on the development of autonomous drone swarms capable of conducting missions without direct human control. In October 2024, a demonstration highlighted how these systems can reduce the cognitive workload of operators while improving situational awareness and target acquisition.
With TOUTATIS, Thales positions itself within a key segment of the loitering munition market, competing with established models such as AeroVironment’s Switchblade, UVision’s Hero, and the Lancet used by Russian forces. By developing a fully French-made solution, the company contributes to national strategic autonomy while anticipating the evolution of future battlefields. This munition could become a critical asset for units requiring rapid and precise response capabilities, particularly in challenging environments such as those encountered by mountain troops.