Thales and Operational Solutions Limited sign a cooperation agreement to further develop civil counter-unmanned aerial vehicles and systems (C-UAV), as well as UTM

Under the agreement, Thales and Operational Solutions Limited (“OSL”) will incorporate OSL’s FACETM (command and control software platform) into Thales’ market-leading offerings in civil C-UAV and UTM.

In the area of commercial airport counter-UAV systems, OSL’s FACETM data fusion and command and control platform works with the Thales Eagleshield IDtect solution. FACETM integrates and intelligently fuses data from multiple sensors including the Thales Gamekeeper - an innovative 3D holographic radar.  This unique technology provides the ability to monitor the airport’s approach and departure paths out to a range of 7.5km, helping to avoid collisions between drones and aircraft. Fast and accurate detection of rogue drones not only helps to keep passengers safe, but also helps airports and airlines meet sustainability objectives, by reducing the fuel wastage and additional flight stacking caused by unauthorised drones use.

Gamekeeper and FACETM have been acquired for use at several major airports, including as part of a comprehensive C-UAV system provided by OSL at London Heathrow, at Auckland airport in New Zealand, and for evaluation in Brazil.

In the area of UTM, OSL and Thales intend to collaborate on opportunities to accelerate market adoption and establish a leading position in the global UTM market.  There is also potential for cooperation in the area of ground-based air defence in the UK.  

Christophe Salomon Executive Vice President Land & Air Systems, Thales said, “Thales is delighted to enhance our cooperation with OSL. Further to a key reference and successful trials, Eagleshield IDtect is one of our C-UAV offerings from the Eagleshield family and we look forward to exploring additional market opportunities combining our respective capabilities.”  

“We are delighted to expand and deepen our long-standing relationship with Thales in the areas of C-UAV, UTM and UK GBAD”, said Mark Legh-Smith, CEO Operational Solutions Limited. “This strategic cooperation creates a fantastic opportunity for both partners, with our complementary offerings, to extend and develop the range of solutions we provide to airports, air navigation service providers, and to some UK military air defence systems.”