Thales to Develop Digital Tool to Test Uncrewed Military Vehicles Under U.K. Contract

By Cristina Gallardo

A consortium including French aerospace and defense group Thales won a U.K. government contract to develop a digital tool that will allow researchers and the armed forces to rehearse the use of uncrewed ground vehicles.

Thales, which received the contract from British agency Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, said the new hybrid testing environment for crewed and uncrewed ground vehicles will incorporate artificial intelligence.

The digital twin system, a virtual replica of real life, could help the British army speed up the integration of land vehicles operating without crew with the rest of its equipment, said Guy Powell, principal adviser for land autonomy at the agency.

In the past years, small and light versions of uncrewed vehicles have gradually taken over dangerous tasks such as the disposal of explosives. But as the technology advances, companies are developing heavier and more sophisticated unmanned platforms, which in the medium term could boost combat abilities while reducing casualties.

However, armed forces are still learning how to deploy them in battlefield and how they can collaborate with the rest of military systems. Digital twin systems allow them to practise a mission involving uncrewed vehicles in a virtual environment, reducing risks and costs, Powell said.

The testing environment should be ready for trials and demonstrations by early 2025, Thales said. Its first use is expected to involve air drones and uncrewed ground systems tasked with gathering intelligence on a potential enemy without being compromised, it added.

The Paris-listed group didn't disclose the value of the contract on Wednesday, but said it will work in partnership with computer-simulation firm Catalyst and engineering company Digital Concepts Engineering.

Write to Cristina Gallardo at cristina.gallardo@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 18, 2024 04:14 ET (08:14 GMT)

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