Mistral has secured a $20-million US Army contract to provide Thor mini unmanned aerial systems for company-level, multi-role operations.
The contract includes the delivery of Thor vertical takeoff and landing UAS platforms and associated payload packages aimed at improving tactical battlefield capabilities, with completion expected by March 2027.
To support the effort, Mistral has teamed with Fuse, the Israeli subsidiary of Elbit Systems that developed the Thor drone, to integrate a variety of mission-specific payloads.
The award comes shortly after the US Army selected Quantum Systems under a $15.3-million deal to supply Vector AI small drones for Brigade Combat Teams.
Together, the contracts underscore the Army’s growing investment in rapidly deployable and survivable unmanned systems, driven by lessons from recent conflicts emphasizing the importance of flexible reconnaissance and targeting platforms.
Thor Group 2 UAS
The Thor Group 2 mini-UAS is an autonomous multi-rotor drone weighing between 21 and 55 pounds and designed for tactical operations requiring quick deployment and modular payload capability.
The drone can carry payloads of up to 22 pounds, folds into a backpack-portable configuration, and can be launched within two minutes.
Using its onboard electro-optical and infrared sensor suite, the system can conduct autonomous missions lasting up to 70 minutes.
Thor is designed to support small units with surveillance, targeting, communications relay, electronic warfare, and logistical resupply capabilities.
Its autonomous flight system reduces operator demands, while interchangeable payloads allow rapid adaptation to changing mission requirements.
