Thales has introduced a new electronic warfare (EW) payload small enough to fit on light drones.
Unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show, the system weighs under 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and consumes less than 40 watts of power.
It can be mounted on autonomous, free-flying, or tethered drones to detect and locate enemy radio signals from long distances.
The payload operates passively, meaning it doesn’t emit signals — a key advantage in contested environments.
Thales described it as part of “a new generation of interoperable, quick-to-deploy sensors” designed to support existing EW assets in the field.
Making EW a Widespread Capability
EW has traditionally been carried out by highly-trained teams with dedicated systems.
But as today’s battlespaces become more electronically contested, frontline units are being expected to contribute.
“The current geopolitical context and the emergence of new threats have underscored the expanding role of electronic warfare in the theatre of operations,” said Christophe Groshenry, Vice President of Radio Communications Products at Thales.
He added that the new system is “discreet and easy to use by non-specialized units,” giving deployed forces greater access to real-time electromagnetic intelligence.
The system was developed following a proof-of-concept phase awarded by France’s Defence Innovation Agency, with multiple users testing it across a range of operational scenarios.
