An unusual teammate is set to join French troops during live on-field drills: drones fitted with various training kits and can simulate kinetic battlefield effects.
French defense giant Thales is introducing a drone training capability designed to slot seamlessly into soldiers’ live training sessions.
The tech aims to get troops accustomed with both friendly and hostile drone behaviors, helping them develop mission readiness and enhance situational awareness.
Each drone in the new system comes with modular kits packed with sensors and indicators to provide real-time feedback during exercises.
The sensors can simulate the effects of drone takedowns, while additional transmitters mimic the behavior of loitering munitions and armed drones.
The training tech works across a broad range of drone classes, from lightweight consumer models to heavy-duty professional platforms.
All data collected during exercises is automatically recorded for instructors to review in debriefings and post-training analysis.
Making Troops Smarter
Thales’ new capability reflects a focus on enhancing readiness and situational awareness.
It helps soldiers sharpen skills against aerial threats while improving coordination with friendly platforms on the battlefield.
“Thales’ new drone training capability offers an adaptable and reliable training experience, allowing military personnel to effectively prepare for engagements and confrontations with these devices,” said Thales Vice President of Training & Simulation Activities Benoit Broudy.
“We are proud to support the armed forces by providing training solutions that are as close as possible to their operational realities,” he added.
The training tech debuted at the 2025 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Florida.
