Thales is developing a new version of the TALIOS targeting pod with AI to improve the analysis speed of French Rafale fighter jets.
The pod's baseline variant became operational with the French Air and Space Force and Navy in 2020, with a combat debut in 2021.
Opex360 reported that a new pod version with AI algorithms to analyse the optical feed and provide position data faster will become operational in 2026 with the Rafale F4.3 standard.
The AI will assist the pilot in picking out objects of significant value to reduce reaction and decision-making tiairme.
Thales also plans to use the information management opportunity provided by the incorporation of AI into military systems in the MUM-T field to avoid an overloaded information flow.
Another future capability planned for Rafale is the MUM-T capability with the F5 standard in 2033. The F5 standard will allow Rafale to control unmanned combat aircraft. The type of unmanned combat aircraft to accompany Rafale hasn't been revealed, but the development of the nEUROn flying-wing UCAV prototype is very likely to be a development.
Similarly, Airbus is also planning for a MUM-T capable Eurofighter with onboard remote carrier UAVs and the recently revealed Wingman unmanned combat aircraft.
Thales Develops AI-Enhanced TALIOS Pod for Rafale
