Thales Fulmar X for Spain ISR
Thales has received two contracts from the Spanish Directorate-General for Armament and Material (DGAM) to provide ISR capabilities to the Spanish Navy and Army.
Thales’ Fulmar X UAS has been selected by the Spanish Navy for the test and evaluation of UAS in experimental maritime environments. Fulmar X’s maritime version is highly versatile, allowing the aircraft to take off and land while the ship is moving. It can be used for a wide range of operational missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-piracy and security tasks.
DGAM has also acquired the class I UAS to be deployed by the Spanish Army in operational zones. Using its new dual electro-optical/infrared payload, the system will detect targets, identify threats and provide the necessary information to ensure security. The digital system will be deployed during 2018.
José Sarnito, chief operating officer, Thales Programas, said: ‘This contract is a step towards making a unique European solution available in its range. The DGAM’s support has proven to be crucial for the design of Spanish solutions and technology in the market of remotely piloted vehicles.’
The Fulmar X weighs 20kg, with a wingspan of just over three metres. It is capable of flying at a height of 3,000 metres, with a range of more than eight hours and covering distances of as much as 80km.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
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
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’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
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.