State aviation officials watched live flights at Gorman Field as CVS Health, Kelly Hills Unmanned, SkyfireAI and Thales demonstrated medical logistics and agricultural applications on North Dakota's statewide BVLOS network. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) hosted live flight demonstrations on the Vantis UAS system on September 16, 2026. The flights took place at … [Read more...] about Northern Plains UAS Test Site Flies Medical and Agricultural BVLOS Demos on Vantis at NASAO
Thales
Thales, Kelly Hills Launch BVLOS Drone Network for Kansas Farms
The Kansas Department of Agriculture partner will run crop spraying, scouting, fertilizing and seeding beyond visual line of sight, following the model of Thales's North Dakota Vantis deployment. Thales and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems will deploy a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone network in Kansas. The network will support agricultural operations. The two companies … [Read more...] about Thales, Kelly Hills Launch BVLOS Drone Network for Kansas Farms
From Car Factories to Drone Factories: France’s Manufacturing Push Reflects a Global Shift
French automakers are entering drone production as governments look to build resilient manufacturing capacity for autonomous systems. (image copyright Thales, 2026) France's latest effort to expand domestic drone production may say less about drones than about factories. A series of partnerships announced this summer pairs major automotive companies with drone manufacturers, … [Read more...] about From Car Factories to Drone Factories: France’s Manufacturing Push Reflects a Global Shift
Who is Building North Dakota’s BVLOS Network? Vantis and Thales Announce Partnership
Vantis and Thales Partner to Build North Dakota's BVLOS Network, the Nation's First. Vantis is North Dakota’s Statewide Unmanned Aircraft Systems Network. Since launching, Vantis has received major buzz - and major investment. Vantis is a first for the U.S.: and they've now announced that global tech company Thales has won the contract to build out drone infrastructure … [Read more...] about Who is Building North Dakota’s BVLOS Network? Vantis and Thales Announce Partnership
European Consortium Tests Long-flying Hydrogen-cell Drones
French tech company Thales, Drones-Center and ZenT have teamed up to demo a hydrogen-powered drone. Organized to test industrial and operational feasibility, the demonstration is another in a growing number of drone projects using hydrogen cells to extend flight time. “Drones used in professional applications need to combine operational efficiency with the highest levels … [Read more...] about European Consortium Tests Long-flying Hydrogen-cell Drones
