MEUDON, France — March 11, 2026 : French defence technology company Thales Group has introduced SkyDefender, a new multi-layer, multi-domain Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system designed to provide protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats across land, sea, and space domains.
The company announced that SkyDefender integrates a network of advanced sensors, interceptors, and command systems to detect, track, and neutralize threats ranging from small unmanned aerial vehicles to ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The system is built with an open and modular architecture that allows integration with existing air defence systems and platforms operated by allied forces.
According to Thales, the system incorporates advanced cybersecurity protections and artificial intelligence through cortAIx, the company’s AI accelerator. This AI capability supports threat detection, data processing, and decision-support functions while enabling proactive protection against cyber intrusions targeting defence networks.
Multi-Layer Defence Structure
SkyDefender is structured around three operational layers designed to address threats at different ranges, from close-range drone attacks to long-range missile launches.
Short-Range Protection
The first defensive layer is based on ForceShield, a system designed to protect deployed forces, critical infrastructure, and sensitive sites against lower-altitude and short-range threats. ForceShield creates a defensive bubble capable of countering threats such as drones, low-flying aircraft, and surface-level aerial threats within short distances. The system integrates sensors, command nodes, and interceptors to provide rapid response against emerging targets.
Medium-Range Theatre Defence
For theatre-level air defence, SkyDefender integrates the SAMP/T NG (Next Generation) system developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales Group and MBDA.
The SAMP/T NG interceptor system offers an engagement range of up to 150 kilometres and is supported by the Ground Fire radar, developed by Thales, which provides 360-degree coverage and a detection range of approximately 350 kilometres.
The programme is managed under the supervision of the Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement (OCCAR), which oversees several European defence procurement initiatives.
Long-Range Detection and Early Warning
The outer defensive layer focuses on long-range surveillance and early missile warning capabilities. SkyDefender incorporates advanced radar systems including SMART-L MM and UHF long-range radars, both developed by Thales. These sensors can detect and track high-altitude targets, including ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft, at distances of up to 5,000 kilometres.
The system also integrates space-based early warning capabilities developed by Thales Alenia Space. Satellites positioned in geostationary orbit carry infrared sensors capable of detecting missile launches shortly after ignition. These sensors provide early detection and estimate the launch location before the projectile enters the coverage area of ground-based radars.
When combined with long-range UHF radar networks on the ground, the architecture enables continuous surveillance, early launch detection, and trajectory tracking of long-range missile threats.
Command and Control Integration
All components of SkyDefender are coordinated through the SkyView command and control (C2) system. SkyView integrates sensor data, threat analysis, and interceptor coordination across the entire defence network.
The system includes SkyView Alliance, a capability designed to ensure interoperability with NATO and allied multi-domain defence networks, allowing integration with existing command infrastructures and operational platforms.
The open architecture of SkyDefender enables the system to connect with a wide range of sensors and weapon systems from multiple manufacturers, including legacy air defence platforms already in service with many armed forces.
Open Architecture and Industrial Cooperation
Thales stated that SkyDefender’s modular design allows countries to adopt individual components or full system packages depending on operational requirements. The architecture also enables future upgrades as air and missile threats evolve.
Development and deployment of the system remain open to partnerships with other defence manufacturers and industrial players, allowing integration of additional sensors, interceptors, and command systems developed by partner companies.
According to the company, SkyDefender is available for global deployment immediately.
Company Background
Thales Group is a multinational technology company specializing in defence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and digital systems. The group invests approximately €4.5 billion annually in research and development, focusing on fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and cloud computing.
Thales employs more than 85,000 people in 65 countries and reported €22.1 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting its role as one of the major defence technology providers in Europe and globally.
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