French DGA selects Spy'Ranger UAS
Thales’ Spy’Ranger mini UAS has been selected by the French armed forces, with the company set to supply up to 70 systems to the DGA from 2018. Thales announced the selection on 5 January.
The Spy-Ranger is a mini surveillance and reconnaissance UAS designed to provide troops with tactical day/night observation capabilities at ranges of up to 30km or 2.5 hours. Missions include providing support to a combined arms tactical group manoeuvre or to an offensive reconnaissance mission; providing a cover mechanism, supporting the neutralisation of strong points and contributing to firing manoeuvres by providing a ‘remote airborne eye’ able to adjust shooting rounds on a target.
Each UAS reconnaissance system (SMDR) consists of three mini-UAS a ground segment and the associated technical support. Spy’Ranger is equipped with a gyrostabilized multi-sensor optronic payload to positively identify target zones or objects, and transmits high-definition image streams via a protected tactical data link at high speeds.
The system’s command and control software provides an easy to operate user interface; and the system can be carried in a backpack.
Jean-Pascal Arrou-Vignod, Thales VP in charge of optronics business, said: ‘Developed by Thales in cooperation with French SMEs Aviation Design and Merio in under 13 months, Spy’Ranger will offer French forces a number of innovations that provide real capability gains. Spy’Ranger will therefore markedly contribute to the gathering of frontline intelligence and to the protection of forces in operation.’
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Spy Ranger SMDR - Option (France)
Spy Ranger SMDR - Contracted (France)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
