Thales and BAE Systems are working together to address that challenge, collaborating on the integration of their advanced sensor system, with the intent do demonstrate it on the Herne XLAUV platform in 2027. At the heart of this collaboration is a new intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mast system from Thales. Drawing on more than 100 years of optronics design, the system is currently in development at our world-leading optronic site in Glasgow. Designed for uncrewed, autonomous applications, it is a stealthy, low-mass solution whose modular architecture allows users to customise sensor payloads to meet specific operational requirements.
The system is configurable for a range of payloads beyond visual sensing, including electronic warfare, communications and navigation systems to name but a few, delivering real-time intelligence to enhance mission effectiveness. It is also platform agnostic and scalable, whilst the Herne XLAUV is payload agnostic. The collaboration would bring together two advanced technologies – demonstrating unparalleled stealth in contested environments, through exceptionally rapid 360-degree image capture, minimising above-water exposure time – a critical success factor for operations in waters where counter-detection poses a direct threat to mission success.
“In a domain where the ability to detect, classify and respond to threats faster than an adversary can mean the difference between mission success and failure, the collaboration between Thales and BAE Systems signals a shared commitment to ensuring that uncrewed platforms are equipped with the sharpest possible eyes from beneath the waves, supporting the Hybrid Navy approach.” said Tommy Cowan – Sea Business Sector Director
Thales and BAE Systems have worked together on the “eyes” of subsurface platforms since the Valiant-class submarine in 1966. Now they will harness their combined expertise to transform sensor systems for the next generation of uncrewed platforms. Thales is a global technology leader with more than 85,000 employees on five continents. The Group is investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust. In the markets of defence, aerospace and space, cyber and digital, Thales provides solutions, services and products to help its customers to carry out their critical missions.
