Euronaval 2024: Thales Introduces TOUTATIS Loitering Munition Before its French Army Deployment in 2025.

During the Euronaval 2024 exhibition, Thales presented TOUTATIS, a new-generation loitering munition developed in partnership with the French company Aeromapper. This debut marks a significant development for French defense capabilities in autonomous weapons systems, as TOUTATIS is scheduled to become operational in 2025. Specifically designed for high-intensity operations, the TOUTATIS munition meets the French Armed Forces' modern needs by providing a rapid, autonomous strike capability that can neutralize targets in electronically complex combat environments.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

TOUTATIS supports Thales' strategy to equip the French Armed Forces with advanced, AI-driven solutions for operational superiority in high-intensity missions (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Loitering munitions, also known as "kamikaze drones," have proven decisive in recent conflicts, such as the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These systems combine surveillance and strike features, allowing operators to follow a target, identify it, and neutralize it when needed. In response, France initiated programs in May 2022 to promote the domestic production of these advanced munitions. One of these, the Colibri program, backed by the Defense Innovation Agency (AID) and the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), issued a call for proposals to develop autonomous munitions that could engage light armored vehicles while resisting electronic interference. Although Thales was not selected for Colibri, the company continued its independent investment in TOUTATIS, strengthening its position as an innovator in this field.

TOUTATIS is distinguished by its advanced technical specifications and adaptability to extreme conditions. It carries a one-kilogram warhead, sufficient to inflict critical damage on lightly armored vehicles. With a range of 10 kilometers and 45 minutes of autonomy, TOUTATIS offers operational flexibility that surpasses Colibri’s original requirements of a 30-minute endurance and a range of five kilometers. Additionally, it features Thales’ VisioLoc technology, a precise localization system that allows it to operate in GNSS-denied environments, a critical advantage for modern warfare theaters.

Designed for rapid deployment, TOUTATIS is compatible with various launch platforms: it can be launched from ground vehicles, launch tubes, helicopters, or other drones, enabling flexible use across different terrains and scenarios. With foldable wings and a compact 85 cm wingspan, it is easily transportable for field units. Within two minutes, TOUTATIS can be activated and ready for use, offering rapid response capability for precision strikes.

Beyond its deployment attributes, TOUTATIS is optimized for day and night missions and ensures interoperability with other ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) drones, such as Spy’Ranger, Noctua, or Grizzly. These drones can locate and identify targets with their optical sensors, transmitting data to TOUTATIS for controlled engagement. This interoperability enhances strike accuracy and effectiveness, reducing reliance on a direct operator and facilitating optimal battlefield coordination.

TOUTATIS aligns with Thales’ broader strategy to provide advanced solutions for the French Armed Forces. Concurrently, the company is developing AI-enabled drone swarms capable of managing missions autonomously. In a demonstration on October 16, 2024, Thales showcased how these swarms can reduce human operators’ cognitive load while improving situational awareness and target acquisition. Coupled with loitering munitions like TOUTATIS, these innovative technologies aim to ensure operational superiority in high-intensity scenarios.

The proliferation of systems like TOUTATIS and other autonomous technologies reflects a new era in modern conflicts. As numerous armed forces seek to strengthen their capabilities with autonomous precision systems, TOUTATIS emerges as a strong competitor against well-established models like AeroVironment’s Switchblade, Israel’s UVision Hero, and the Lancet used by Russian forces. By establishing itself in this strategic domain, Thales is supporting France's technological autonomy. In developing 100% French solutions, the company addresses the urgent need for technological sovereignty while anticipating the challenges of future battlefields, positioning itself within the global competition in the loitering munition sector.