Thales and Turgis Gaillard are developing a 100% French airborne surveillance solution based on the AAROK MALE drone and the AirMaster S radar

The AAROK drone designed by Turgis Gaillard, unveiled at the 2023 Paris Air Show, is the first MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone to be entirely developed in France. It is designed for ISR missions in high-intensity conflicts and to conduct maritime surveillance operations.

To meet these specific mission requirements, Thales’s AirMaster S radar was selected for its exceptional operational capabilities, which have already been proven in combat conditions, both in export markets and in France, most notably on France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft. The radar was also chosen for its compatibility for integration on MALE drones.

“Thales is delighted to be able to offer forces a 100% French solution based on the AAROK drone, designed for high-intensity operations and incorporating our AI-enhanced radar system,” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defence Mission Systems, Thales.

"This collaboration with Thales reflects our shared objective of providing a 100% French MALE drone solution to meet the exacting requirements of high-intensity conflicts. The choice of the AirMaster S radar expands the operational capabilities of the AAROK drone and marks a major step forward in the strategic autonomy of our industry." Fanny Turgis and Patrick Gaillard, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, Turgis Gaillard.