Agility
Faced with the evolution of conflictuality and the strategic context, we need to be more agile.
More agile, in terms of sharing information in real time, reconfiguring without delay, and coordinated and concentrated speed of execution. The enduring objective is not only to maintain operational superiority and control spaces as well as possible, but also to strengthen the survivability of the combat system.
At the Paris Air Show, Thales is presenting new modes of collaborative action made possible by the implementation in networks of sensors and effectors, centralised and decentralised C2 structures, as well as the real-time exploitation of data enhanced by decision-support systems (AI).
Aero connectivity - towards combat cloud
Secure end-to-end connectivity is the cornerstone of future air combat. Thales's next-generation connectivity serves as the nervous system of air combat operations and constitutes the foundational layer of the future combat cloud.
This connectivity is based on a diversified array of secure LOS and BLOS voice and data communication systems spanning all platforms:
- It guarantees joint and allied interoperability and meets also the sovereignty requirements of countries.
- It also delivers the speed, security, low latency, discretion and robustness needed to network assets in the battlespace, including sensors and effectors.
Thales solutions are built on a unified technical architecture, with automated functions to ensure end-to-end connectivity between all actors, in all circumstances, and in all theatres of operations.
We, at Thales, have specialised expertise in all the key building blocks needed to meet these challenges:
- NEXEN, our secure communications server, is a key component of end-to-end connectivity, allowing interconnecting heterogeneous networks while ensuring quality of service and managing multi-level security (up to 4).
- SYNAPS, our next-generation, highly programmable and scalable software-defined radio, offers new high-speed, low-latency, discrete and highly resilient communication modes for the combat cloud.
- FlySAT, our new satcom antenna, enables very long-range communications for mission aircraft (such as airborne C2 systems, refuelling aircraft, transport), allowing these platforms to act as effective airborne communication nodes in the battlespace. With its multi-modem military / civil capability, FlySAT also brings users the benefits of hybridised satellite networks, with the resilience of military constellations and the complementary coverage of civil constellations.
- And our TMA / micro-TMA family of very high-speed datalink solutions supports real-time sharing of huge amounts of data — high resolution imagery, video, radar, acoustics, etc. — which is key to raising the tempo of operations. This family of solutions is also designed for all types of unmanned systems, for airland operations in particular.
Thales is the trusted partner of numerous aircraft manufacturers and Air Forces in the world. Building on our recognised expertise and long experience with the French defence procurement agency (DGA), the French Air and Space Force, the French Navy and our European industrial partners, we are helping to define the future combat air system through the major European FCAS programme.
Operating in a highly contested environment
Equipment and combat systems need to be more resilient when operating in a contested environment.
This resilience is important in improving survivability and maintaining superiority over the enemy. At the Paris Air Show, Thales is demonstrating innovative capabilities, including Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD), Self Protection, Position/Navigation and Timing, and Cybersecurity.
Thales proposes solutions that protect against GPS jamming, air attacks and cyberthreats and provides innovative systems to ensure the highest levels of resilience. We cover both offensive and defensive electronic attacks, providing military forces with the required mobility, survivability, resilience and situational awareness.
As defence systems become increasingly connected, it is important that armed forces strengthen the protection of all their resources. This includes cybersecuritysolutions for infrastructure and data and communication exchanges across all domains. In addition, Thales Resilient-Position Navigation Timing (PNT) and Electronic Warfare (EW) solutions help ensure mission success, by allowing enemy air defences and GNSS-denied zones to be avoided.
The solutions on display at the Paris Air Show include the AirGUARD, a fully integrated Self-Protection System for rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
AirGuard benefits from Thales’s advanced technologies, and integrates Thales’s sensors and effectors.
- Electronic warfare self-protection for helicopters
- Elix-IR, multi-function IR Threat Warning System (TWS)
- Vicon XF, intelligent countermeasure dispensing system CMDS: Airborne Optronics
