Thales and BAE Systems to develop surveillance and reconnaissance mast

(Alliance News) - Thales SA and BAE Systems PLC on Tuesday announced plans to collaborate to provide a new advanced intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance mast.

Paris-based aerospace and defence company Thales, and London-based defence peer BAE Systems said they are working together to address the challenge of the proliferation of autonomous platforms.

Thales said these include uncrewed surface vessels to extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles and it is reshaping how hybrid navies operate.

The intent is to demonstrate the mast on the Herne XLAUV platform, BAE's extra large autonomous underwater vehicle, in 2027.

At the heart of the collaboration is a new intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance mast system from Thales, currently in development in Glasgow.

Thales Sea business sector Director Tommy Cowan said: "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."

Thales and BAE Systems have worked together since the Valiant-class submarine in 1966.

Thales closed up 0.4% at EUR226.00 each in Paris on Tuesday, while BAE Systems closed down 0.4% at 1,916.00 pence in London.

By Jeremy Cutler, Alliance News reporter

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