• SkyDefender is an integrated, multi-layered, multi-domain air and missile defense system providing comprehensive protection against all types of aerial, land, sea, and space threats. This protection includes early warning and threat detection capabilities for potential threats at distances of up to 5,000 km.
  • SkyDefender integrates a network of advanced sensors and effectors with a versatile command and control (C2) system. With its open and modular architecture, it is fully compatible with existing air defense systems.
  • Combining Thales’ expertise in cybersecurity and advanced artificial intelligence, thanks to cortAIx , Thales’ AI accelerator, SkyDefender enables operational superiority and proactive defense against cyberattacks and evolving threats.
  • Thales is capable of providing this critical protection on a global scale starting today.

March 11, 2026 – As air and ballistic threats evolve faster than ever, from slow drones to hypersonic missiles, attacks are becoming increasingly complex, overwhelming, and unpredictable.

SkyDefender provides complete protection against all types of aerial threats, from a few kilometers to several thousand kilometers:

  • Short range: for the protection of forces, vital assets and sensitive sites : ForceShield creates a true bubble of protection against very short-range lower-layer and surface threats, such as drones.
  • Medium range: for the protection of theaters of operations : the SAMP-T NG by eurosam 1 with an engagement range of up to 150 km, includes the powerful Thales Ground Fire radar with a range of 350 km and 360°/90° coverage for medium-range defense.
  • Long Range: For protection against long-range threats with early warning capabilities : a unique capability that allows armed forces to track more effectively, identify challenging targets, including fighter jets and ballistic missiles, and enhance space domain awareness. Thales ‘ SMART-L MM and UHF radars, which can detect potential threats at distances of up to 5,000 km , are key differentiators. Thales Alenia Space offers an early warning solution from geostationary orbit, using satellites equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting a missile threat and providing the precise launch location, even before it enters ground-based radar coverage areas. Combined with advanced, long-range, ground-based UHF radars, this solution offers a unique capability for continuous surveillance, early detection, and trajectory tracking of long-range threats.

All SkyDefender components are managed via Thales’ SkyView command and control (C2) system, with the SkyView Alliance version ensuring seamless interoperability with NATO and allied multi-domain platforms.

Built on an open and modular architecture, SkyDefender integrates easily with existing defenses and can be updated as threats evolve. The system’s development and deployment are open to partnerships with other industry players.

SkyDefender is fully compatible with a wide variety of sensors and weapon systems, including those from different manufacturers and existing platforms.

“Thales is proud to contribute to national sovereignty with SkyDefender, the aerial and missile defense dome based on our latest advanced technologies, ranging from drone protection to early warning capabilities. With SkyDefender, Thales provides a battle-proven system that is easy to integrate and available today, confirming our position as a trusted long-term partner for armed forces.” Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.

1 The SAMP/T NG program is overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). Eurosam, a joint venture between Thales and MBDA, is the prime contractor for the entire system.