Thales Unveiled HexaForce AI Targeting Platform
The command and control system uses large language models to assist operators with data-driven targeting.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Thales has unveiled HexaForce, a command and control platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and large language models to analyze data and propose targeting solutions. The system is currently in the research and testing phase, having undergone evaluation at a NATO exercise in Poland earlier this year.
Why it matters
The platform aims to provide sovereign control over defense operations in the Gulf market by leveraging open-source architecture that allows for local adaptation. Thales is positioning the technology to meet specific regional requirements for domestic production and operational independence.
HexaForce currently supports a processing capacity of 100 targets per day. Thales plans to scale this performance to 1,000 targets per day through system upgrades.
The players
Thales
A multinational aerospace and defense company that develops sensor, communications, and command and control systems.
The details
HexaForce functions by ingesting large volumes of data and applying large language models — advanced AI algorithms trained on massive datasets to understand and generate human-like text — to identify and propose potential targeting solutions for human operators. The system is built on an open-source architecture, a design approach where the underlying code is accessible for modification, which allows local partners to tailor the software to specific national requirements. It was recently tested at the CWIX NATO exercise in Poland to validate its integration capabilities.
Timeline
June 2026: Thales tested the HexaForce platform at a NATO exercise in Poland.
September 17, 2026: The HexaForce platform was officially unveiled.
October 6, 2026: A Thales executive discussed the platform specifications in an interview.
The Tech Race
The development of HexaForce follows the integration milestones established during the CWIX NATO exercise. Thales is now attempting to translate these research-stage capabilities into regional sovereign defense solutions.
HexaForce is not currently deployed, meaning it does not yet influence operational command workflows. Potential users in the Gulf region should watch for announcements regarding domestic partnership agreements and specific local production timelines.
The takeaway
Thales is betting on regional sovereignty by opening the architecture of its targeting AI for local customization. Observers should track upcoming announcements regarding domestic production partners in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to assess the actual speed of deployment.
Further reading
For more on the development of automated defense systems, visit Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Breaking Defense.
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