www.aero-defence.tech
12
'26
Written on Modified on
Thales Group Launches SkyDefender AI Defence Dome
Multi-layer air and missile defence system integrates sensors, radars and AI-driven command systems.
www.thalesgroup.com
Thales Group has introduced SkyDefender, a multi-layer Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system designed to protect against modern aerial threats ranging from drones to hypersonic missiles.
The system integrates advanced sensors, radars, weapon systems and command-and-control technologies across land, naval and space domains, enabling comprehensive protection against evolving air and missile threats.
Multi-layer protection against aerial threats
SkyDefender provides layered defence across multiple engagement ranges:
- Short-range defence: Systems such as ForceShield create a protection bubble against drones and low-altitude threats, safeguarding forces, critical infrastructure and sensitive sites.
- Medium-range defence: The SAMP/T NG system, developed through the Eurosam program, provides engagement ranges up to 150 km, supported by Thales’ Ground Fire radar with a detection range of 350 km and 360° coverage.
- Long-range defence: Early-warning systems and long-range radars such as SMART-L MM and UHF radar platforms detect threats at distances up to 5,000 km, enabling early tracking of aircraft and ballistic missiles.
Space-based early warning capability
SkyDefender also integrates space-based missile detection through satellite systems developed by Thales Alenia Space. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors detect missile launches from geostationary orbit and provide early warning data before the missile enters ground radar coverage.
Combined with ground-based radars, this capability enables continuous surveillance, early detection and trajectory tracking of long-range threats.
AI-powered command and control
All defence components are coordinated through the SkyView command-and-control (C2) platform, which manages sensors, interceptors and data processing across multiple domains.
Artificial intelligence technologies developed through cortAIx, Thales’ AI accelerator, enhance threat detection, decision-making and cybersecurity protection. These capabilities allow operators to anticipate and respond to complex threats while maintaining resilience against cyberattacks.
Open architecture for interoperability
The system uses an open and modular architecture, enabling integration with existing air defence infrastructure and compatibility with sensors and weapons from multiple manufacturers.
Through SkyView Alliance, the platform ensures interoperability with NATO and allied multi-domain defence systems.
By combining radar technologies, space-based detection and AI-enabled command systems, SkyDefender aims to provide armed forces with scalable and adaptable protection against modern aerial threats.
Edited by industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas.
www.thalesgroup.com
SkyDefender also integrates space-based missile detection through satellite systems developed by Thales Alenia Space. Satellites equipped with infrared sensors detect missile launches from geostationary orbit and provide early warning data before the missile enters ground radar coverage.
Combined with ground-based radars, this capability enables continuous surveillance, early detection and trajectory tracking of long-range threats.
AI-powered command and control
All defence components are coordinated through the SkyView command-and-control (C2) platform, which manages sensors, interceptors and data processing across multiple domains.
Artificial intelligence technologies developed through cortAIx, Thales’ AI accelerator, enhance threat detection, decision-making and cybersecurity protection. These capabilities allow operators to anticipate and respond to complex threats while maintaining resilience against cyberattacks.
Open architecture for interoperability
The system uses an open and modular architecture, enabling integration with existing air defence infrastructure and compatibility with sensors and weapons from multiple manufacturers.
Through SkyView Alliance, the platform ensures interoperability with NATO and allied multi-domain defence systems.
By combining radar technologies, space-based detection and AI-enabled command systems, SkyDefender aims to provide armed forces with scalable and adaptable protection against modern aerial threats.
Edited by industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas.
www.thalesgroup.com
