Visionary Machines and Thales to advance passive counter-drone detection

Visionary Machines and Thales in the UK have taken another step toward integrating and evaluating a combined passive counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) detection capability.  Recent conflicts have shown the need to develop C-UAS solutions providing reliable detection capabilities without being detected by the enemy – and therefore infrared (IR) Electro Optic solutions that are completely passive are a critical asset. The companies have signed a contract to combine Visionary Machines’ passive drone detection, classification and ranging capabilities with Thales’ wide-area IR sensor hardware, laying the groundwork for next-generation passive C-UAS. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, where Visionary Machines and Thales agreed to explore collaboration in passive counter-drone sensing technologies. Under the contract, the companies will conduct preliminary integration of Visionary Machines’ Pandion™ Sentinel software with a range of Thales IR camera systems. The goal is to assess technical feasibility, interface requirements, and indicative system-level performance in controlled trial conditions. The partnership will also help determine the suitability of the combined solution for defence and security applications, particularly in scenarios where passive C-UAS sensing is required. Sonny Foster Chief Executive Officer Visionary Machines said: “The initial phase could open the door to further collaboration, highlighting the potential to improve passive drone detection against evolving threats in combat and critical infrastructure environments”. He added, “the outcomes will inform future development and deployment decisions”. Anne Munro, Industry Exports Director, Thales in Australia, said: “The project was a great example of the Global Supply Chain Program bringing together an innovative Australian SME with the broader Thales Group, combining Visionary Machines’ drone search, detection and classification software with Thales’ IR sensor technology to strengthen passive C-UAS capability”. John McDonald, Strategy Director Thales in the UK, declared: “The developmental C-UAS work being undertaken by each company was complementary and the on-going collaboration would potentially reduce the time to a completely passive capability deployment.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]