Thales Joins Forces with Boreal to Develop New Long-Range Loitering Munition for French and NATO Forces

Thales, one of Europe’s leading defence and technology companies, has announced a major step into the long-range loitering munition market through a new partnership with Boreal, a French drone specialist under the MISTRAL Group. The two companies have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop a cutting-edge loitering munition system that aims to enhance France’s defence capabilities with a sovereign, high-performance solution.

The project, called MTO-LP1, will mark France’s entry into the fast-growing category of long-range, precision-guided loitering munitions — often described as "kamikaze drones". These systems are designed to loiter in the air over a target area for an extended time before striking a designated target with precision.

About MTO-LP1: A Next-Gen Strike System

The MTO-LP1 will be built on existing, proven platform and payload technologies, ensuring reliability and ease of integration with current military systems. Designed to meet operational needs of both French Armed Forces and NATO allies, the munition will have an operational range of several hundred kilometres.

Key features of the MTO-LP1 include:

• Rapid deployment capability: The system can be set up and launched by just two operators within 30 minutes.

• Mass-launch option: Up to 10 loitering munitions can be launched simultaneously for coordinated missions.

• Flexible payload design: The munition can carry different types of warheads or surveillance equipment, depending on mission requirements, making it highly adaptable and reducing logistical demands.

• Safe and portable: The design prioritises ease of transport, storage, and operational safety for forces in the field.

Production Timeline and Future Upgrades

Initial flight trials for the MTO-LP1 are scheduled for summer 2025, with serial production expected to begin in 2026 at a pace of 1,000 warheads per year. By 2027, the system is planned to receive upgrades, including advanced protection against countermeasures, new mission profiles, and a wider selection of warhead types for diverse strike missions.

Strengthening France’s Defence Industry

This partnership represents more than just a product development effort — it’s a strategic move to strengthen France’s position in advanced defence technology and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers in critical areas. The collaboration also paves the way for Boreal to scale up its industrial capabilities, with prospects for future projects, particularly in Belgium through MISTRAL Group’s European network.

Eric Normant, Vice President of Vehicles and Tactical Systems at Thales, expressed enthusiasm for the joint venture, highlighting Boreal’s reputation for reliable, long-endurance UAV platforms. He noted, “By combining the agility of Boreal with Thales’ industrial strength, we’re creating a high-performance, operationally ready solution tailored for modern battlefield demands.”

About Boreal

Boreal SAS is known for its rugged, long-endurance UAV systems, widely used in surveillance, reconnaissance, and military support roles. As part of the MISTRAL Group, it benefits from close ties to other defence technology specialists, including M3 Systems France and Belgium, known for their expertise in positioning and navigation solutions for demanding operational environments.

In Summary:
The Thales-Boreal partnership is a significant step for France’s defence sector, offering a sovereign, scalable, and modern loitering munition capability from 2026. With its flexibility, ease of use, and long operational range, the MTO-LP1 is poised to become a valuable asset for both French and NATO forces in future conflicts.