I/ITSEC 25: Thales integrates UASs into live training

Thales' new live training system allows non-kinetic systems to be employed against UASs during exercises. (Thales)

Thales has developed a system that enables unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to be integrated into live training for ground forces and launched it at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference 2025 (I/ITSEC 25) held in Orlando from 1 to 4 December.

Speaking at a media brief prior to the event, Bruno Delacourte, director strategy, marketing and product policy for Thales Simulation and Training said that the impact of UASs had increased the complexity of the battlefield and was leading to profound changes in tactics. Forces need to prepare to cope with this new environment in two ways – by defining the doctrine to make the best use of drones and to provide the most effective protection against them, and then to train according to the doctrine, he added.

In pursuit of the latter, Thales has developed a system that enables the realistic integration of UASs into live training exercises, both for UAS and counter-UAS (C-UAS) operators.

According to Thales, the system agnostic add-on kit is compatible with various UASs ranging from less than 250 g up to 25 kg.

Delacourte said that the system can simulate different use cases, including loitering munitions and weaponised UASs using transmitters; and as targets can be used to simulate different C-UAS effects including jamming, directed energy weapons, and kinetic attacks.