Thales UK is pushing armored vehicle surveillance forward with new technologies designed to speed up target tracking while easing crew workload on the battlefield.
At the 2026 International Armoured Vehicles conference, the company showcased DigitalCrew, a software-based system that uses algorithms to improve armored vehicle sensor performance without relying on new hardware.
It uses automated object detection to spot heat and movement, helping crews stay focused during long surveillance missions where attention can fade over time.
The system also supports real-time target tracking across multiple modes, allowing remotely operated weapon stations to keep pace with fast-moving aerial threats like drones.
DigitalCrew blends video feeds from multiple sensors, combining day and thermal imagery to improve situational awareness while maintaining clarity as views shift between different cameras.
While most functions rely on automation rather than artificial intelligence, the tech applies machine learning to help identify and classify targets. Users can also train the software using their own data sets.
A built-in turbulence correction sharpens imagery when heat and atmospheric distortion degrade sensor performance, helping restore detection and reconnaissance range.
‘360-Degree Detection’
Complementing DigitalCrew’s sensor capabilities, Thales also showcased TrueHunter, a panoramic above-armor gimbal sight for target detection and designation.
Weighing 78 kilograms (172 pounds) and measuring 400 millimeters in diameter, it reportedly provides continuous 360-degree coverage, reducing blind spots around the vehicle.
Its most distinctive component is SharpView, a lightweight laser designator that could also be used on drones and other platforms.
Equipped with infrared sensors and a laser rangefinder, TrueHunter is designed to maintain targeting accuracy in challenging weather and visibility conditions.
