The new munition, known as MTO-LP1, is based on established platform and payload technologies and will be operationally available from 2026. Designed to meet the needs of France and NATO forces, it can operate over several hundred kilometres and be deployed by two operators in under 30 minutes.
The system allows for the simultaneous launch of up to 10 munitions for coordinated missions and offers platform-agnostic payloads that reduce logistical constraints in operational environments. Its design is adaptable to various mission types and prioritises safety, security, and ease of transport and storage.
Initial flight tests are planned for summer 2025, with production starting in 2026 at a rate of 1,000 warheads annually. Further developments in 2027 will introduce counter-vulnerability features, expanded mission profiles, and a broader range of effectors for long-range strikes.
“Thales is excited about this collaboration with Boreal, a pioneer in drone technology whose UAVs are widely recognised for their long endurance capabilities,” said Eric Normant, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales. “By combining the agility of Boreal with our industrial capacity, we plan to develop a high-performance solution that meets real operational needs and will be available from 2026.”
Boreal SAS is known for designing durable, field-tested UAV systems used in surveillance, reconnaissance, and military support operations. The company is part of a wider ecosystem within the MISTRAL Group, which includes M3 Systems France and Belgium, both specialists in positioning solutions for critical environments.
This partnership supports the industrial scale-up of Boreal and opens opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in Belgium. It represents a strategic move to consolidate national capabilities in advanced defence technologies.
