The U.S. Army has selected a new small unmanned aircraft system to push aerial capability down to the company level. Army Contracting Command awarded the contract to Mistral Inc. for the THOR Group 2 UAS, a backpack-portable multi-rotor drone designed for frontline units.

THOR is developed by FUSE, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., and will be delivered through a U.S.-based partnership. Avandra LLC will support training and sustainment.

Company-level drone power

The THOR system targets a long-standing gap in U.S. Army structure. Company-level units rarely control their own aerial assets. They often depend on higher command for drone support.

THOR changes that model. Soldiers can carry and deploy the system without vehicles or specialized teams. The platform falls under Group 2 UAS classification, meaning it weighs between 21 and 55 pounds.

It operates below 3,500 feet and supports meaningful payloads. Despite its size, it delivers tactical range and flexibility. Commanders can now launch reconnaissance missions without waiting for approvals.

This shift improves response time during fast-moving engagements. It also reduces reliance on brigade-level drone allocation.

Autonomous mission capability

THOR’s autonomy stands out as its defining feature. The system handles takeoff, landing, and mission execution with minimal human input.

Earlier, small UAS platforms required trained pilots. That limited their adoption at lower levels. THOR removes that bottleneck.

Soldiers can assign missions instead of manually flying drones. The system executes tasks independently. This reduces workload and training demands.

THOR also supports multi-platform control. A small team can operate multiple drones at once. That expands aerial coverage without increasing manpower.

Yoav Banai, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Mistral, emphasized operational speed. “This award is about getting a proven, company-relevant capability into soldiers’ hands with speed, and doing it with a system designed for real operational conditions.”

He added, “By pairing Mistral’s U.S.-based integration and delivery focus with FUSE’s THOR platform, we’re positioned to provide a rapidly deployable Group 2 VTOL UAS that supports multi-mission teams and adapts quickly as the operational picture changes.”

Modular payload flexibility

THOR supports a wide mission range. These include reconnaissance, surveillance, and target identification. It also enables communications relay and limited resupply.

The system’s modular payload design adds flexibility. Units can swap payloads based on mission needs. This allows rapid role changes without new platforms.

That capability aligns with modern battlefield demands. Units must adapt faster than supply chains can respond.

Yoav Poizner, Vice President of Marketing at Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber, called the selection a validation. “The U.S. Army’s decision to select THOR as its company-level multi-rotor system, validates the technological and operational advantages offered by our solutions.”

He continued, “Together, we look forward to helping deliver a dependable system that can be configured for evolving mission needs and scaled for operational demand.”

The partnership structure reflects a deliberate strategy. FUSE provides the core technology. Mistral manages U.S. integration and delivery. Avandra ensures local support.

This model strengthens domestic sustainment while leveraging proven foreign technology. It also aligns with U.S. defense priorities on supply chain security.

With THOR, the Army moves closer to decentralized drone operations. Company commanders gain direct control over aerial intelligence and support.