At the Paris Air Show, BOREAL announced a strategic partnership with Thales to co-develop a long-range loitering munition. This collaboration marks a significant step in BOREAL’s evolution, as the company expands part of its activities into the defense sector while continuing its core missions in civil surveillance and Earth observation.
Unveiled on June 18 at the Paris International Air and Space Show, the partnership centers on a defense project: the joint development and production of a long-range remotely operated munition —a remotely operated system designed to disrupt opponent surveillance capabilities at extended distances.
The alliance brings together the complementary strengths of both companies: BOREAL’s proven expertise in long-endurance flight, demonstrated by its flagship drone in service since 2011, and Thales’ global leadership in advanced munition and complex systems technologies.
Series production is scheduled to begin in 2026, with a key milestone set for this summer, when the first flight test will mark the official start of the industrial calendar.
A new-generation tactical drone
Designed to provide rapid operational support in the field, this long-range remotely operated munition stands out for its high-performance capabilities. It can carry payloads of up to 15 kg and operate over several hundred kilometers, offering a unique combination of range, power, and responsiveness.
One of its key strengths lies in its ease and speed of deployment: a full salvo can be launched by just two operators in under 30 minutes.
Its advanced modular design is another major asset—enabling deployed forces to adapt the onboard payload configuration in real time to meet mission-specific requirements.
A strategic shift toward the defense sector
For BOREAL, this partnership represents a clear strategic shift. While the company remains firmly committed to its civil missions in Earth observation and surveillance—through its BOREAL ISR and BOREAL LAB drones—the addition of long-range remotely operated munition to its product portfolio signals its entry into the defense arena.
“We’re proud to take this new step alongside an industry leader like Thales. This partnership reflects our ability to adapt our technologies to the operational demands of the military domain, where range and responsiveness are critical,” said Marc Pollina, CEO of BOREAL.
