Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace Rafales will begin to be equipped with AI-enhanced TALIOS targeting pods starting in 2026.
Thales is working to integrate AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) laser designation pod for the French Air and Space Force. The enhancement will significantly expand the Rafale’s combat capabilities, allowing pilots to operate in more complex combat environments making intensive use, for the first time, of deep learning technologies.
Background on TALIOS pod
The Thales TALIOS pod represents a cutting-edge advancement in airborne targeting and reconnaissance technology. Developed by the French defense company Thales Group, TALIOS integrates advanced imaging systems to provide enhanced situational awareness, precision targeting, and intelligence-gathering capabilities for modern combat scenarios.
TALIOS is designed as a multi-role, electro-optical targeting pod suitable for a variety of combat aircraft. It incorporates high-resolution sensors, including a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) thermal imager, and full-color high-definition daylight cameras. This combination enables operators to detect, identify, and track targets at long ranges, day or night, and under adverse weather conditions. Its ability to seamlessly switch between targeting and reconnaissance roles ensures versatility across mission profiles.
The pod is roughly comparable to the U.S.-made Lockheed Martin Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod), as both systems are advanced electro-optical/infrared targeting pods designed for precision targeting and reconnaissance missions.
The development of TALIOS stems from Thales’ experience with earlier systems like the Damocles pod, which it ultimately replaced. TALIOS incorporates lessons learned to improve resolution, operational range, and user interface, while also integrating artificial intelligence for image analysis. Introduced in 2018, it was adopted by France’s Dassault Rafale fighter jets and has garnered international interest.
According to Thales, TALIOS “combine[s] advanced targeting and tactical reconnaissance capabilities in a single pod. The 2-in-1 TALIOS targeting and recce pod is able to cover the entire kill chain from intelligence gathering to destruction of enemy targets with associated Battle Damage Assessment”.
An AI driven upgrade
The AI integration on the TALIOS is set to debut with the Rafale F4.3 standard in 2026, and will deliver real-time image analysis onboard the aircraft. With the integration of AI within the pod, Thales eliminates reliance on extra data links, overcoming challenges such as communication disruptions. This enhances operational security as well as accelerating mission response times – pilots will be able to receive actionable intelligence in real time during the flight.
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The core function of the AI is the automatic detection and classification of objects of interest, such as target buildings or vehicles. Using deep learning algorithms, the system will be able to process images up to 100 times faster than traditional methods and pre-select potential targets to present to the pilot. This will significantly reduce the pilot’s workload, allowing them to maintain control over other critical engagement decisions.
The AI also enhances the TALIOS pod’s ability to identify small or well-hidden targets, even in challenging environments. This precision will be crucial for stand-off operations, where pilots engage targets from a safe distance while also maintaining situational awareness. The system’s ability to tell apart minute details in complex imagery will elevate mission success rates and minimize collateral damage.
Since the initial proposal of AI-integration in 2018 and the contract award in 2023, Thales has worked closely with the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace and its operational personnel, and tailored the system to meet specific needs of the combat pilots. The capability stems from rigorous training of the AI on a large dataset of imagery, including test flight data and classified inputs from the French armed forces.
The AI’s integration aligns with the gradual evolution of combat. As militaries transition towards more network-oriented warfare, the ability to process and share data efficiently becomes very important. The TALIOS’ integration of AI ensures only relevant information is shared to other pilots and ground control, and prevents the communications channels from being overwhelmed by the vast amount of data generated during missions.
Conclusion
Beyond the anticipated impact on the Rafales, the integration of AI into the TALIOS reflects a growing trend in the military. AI-driven targeting and identification systems are set to become a standard among advanced air forces, with other nations likely to adopt similar technology.
For the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, this development represents a significant leap in its combat capability, especially as it prepares to deploy ‘loyal-wingman’ type systems to complement their Rafales by 2033. The TALIOS pod’s AI will enhance the Rafale’s effectiveness, and also underscore the strategic importance of AI in modern defense.
The incorporation of AI into the Talios pod exemplifies how cutting-edge technology will optimize decision-making, improve targeting precision, and adapt to the demands of modern warfare.
