The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has placed a firm order with Thales for 21 additional TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) pods. The new target designation pods will equip Rafale aircraft currently in service with the French Air and Space Force and the French Navy. This order for 21 additional pods underscores the continuing confidence of the French forces, which have deployed TALIOS multiple times on expeditionary missions since the first pods were delivered in 2019. The new pods will be delivered between 2024 and 2025, straight after fulfilment of the initial order for 46 TALIOS systems. Building on 50 years of experience in airborne targeting and reconnaissance systems, Thales has developed the TALIOS two-in-one pod to meet these requirements.
TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) multi-function targeting pod.
TALIOS will ultimately incorporate artificial intelligence algorithms to provide an unprecedented level of assistance in target detection and recognition and further accelerate the decision-making process, particularly in high-intensity engagements. As theatres of operations become more complex, maintaining an accurate picture of the tactical situation is becoming increasingly crucial to the ability of pilots and commanders to make timely decisions and achieve a strategic advantage. Shortening the time it takes between gathering intelligence and defeating targets of interest is a key objective for armed forces all over the world.
A French Navy Rafale M fighter carrying a Talios pod prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier.
In an increasingly connected operational environment, the TALIOS pod will enable Rafale F4 standard aircraft to perform both air reconnaissance and ground/surface attack missions. The pod provides a wide-area search and target identification capability and can then switch instantly into target acquisition and tracking mode. Its high-resolution sensors provide a colour picture of the tactical situation to simplify the tasks of Rafale pilots. Thales has also developed a new Vision Permanent™ mode, which superimposes real-time video on a 3D map of the operational environment, enabling aircrews to observe and understand the tactical situation in a significantly shorter time.
TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) multi-function targeting pod.
TALIOS combines targeting and tactical recce capabilities in a single pod. It delivers unmatched image quality, including colour imagery, and disruptive capabilities such as Permanent Vision™ and embedded artificial intelligence to provide combat aircraft pilots and ground forces with reliable situational awareness in real-time. With its open architecture, the TALIOS pod is designed as a “plug & fight” system for all existing and future fighters. Flight-tested for the first time in 2016, TALIOS was successfully qualified by the French defence procurement agency in 2018 for deployment by Dassault’s Rafale Omni-role aircraft. The new-generation pod has been delivered to French forces and is now fully combat-ready.
