Thales Partners with Finland’s VTT for U-Space Pilot Project

Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, has been selected by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to participate in the U-Space pilot project. The project aims to develop and test unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems, which will enable the safe and efficient integration of drones into Finnish airspace. The U-Space project is a key initiative of the European Union’s Single European Sky (SES) program, which seeks to create a unified and modernized air traffic management system across Europe. Thales will bring its expertise in air traffic management and unmanned systems to the project, working closely with VTT and other partners to design and test UTM systems. The project will focus on developing a robust and scalable UTM system that can manage the increasing number of drones operating in Finnish airspace. The system will provide real-time tracking and monitoring of drones, as well as automated conflict detection and resolution. Thales will also contribute its experience in developing and implementing UTM systems in other countries, including France and the United Kingdom. The U-Space project is expected to have a significant impact on the development of the drone industry in Finland, enabling the growth of new businesses and services that rely on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project will also help to improve the safety and efficiency of drone operations, reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing the impact of drones on manned aviation. In addition to Thales and VTT, the U-Space project involves a number of other partners, including the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) and the Finnish Aviation Authority (Finavia). The project is expected to run for several years, with the first phase focusing on the development and testing of UTM systems. The second phase will involve the deployment of the UTM system in Finnish airspace, with the goal of achieving full operational capability by 2025. The U-Space project is a significant milestone in the development of Finland’s drone industry, and Thales is proud to be playing a key role in the project. The company’s expertise in UTM systems and air traffic management will help to ensure the safe and efficient integration of drones into Finnish airspace, enabling the growth of new businesses and services. The project will also help to establish Finland as a leader in the development of UTM systems, with the potential to export Finnish technology and expertise to other countries. Overall, the U-Space project is an exciting initiative that will help to shape the future of the drone industry in Finland and beyond.

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