Thales has completed €500 million worth of local sourcing from India and intends to grow it further to over €1 billion over the next five years. According to Patrice Caine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Thales Group, said, “We look at India as a top country; not just as a market but also as an export hub. We have sourced and supplied more and more from India as it has a good ecosystem. We intend to grow it as part of our global supply chain.”
Thales’ strategy of developing its industrial footprint in India is in line with the Union government’s policy of “Make in India”.
The company has formed various co-operative partnerships with public and private sector industries including Samtel, BEL, L&T Technology Services and Reliance Aerostructure Ltd. Thales also has a joint venture with Reliance Defence Ltd leveraging the offset commitment as part of the Rafale deal between India and France.
Thales provides a number of modern equipment and systems aboard the Rafale. They include the RBE2 AESA radar, the Spectra electronic warfare system, optronics, the communication navigation and identification system, the majority of the cockpit display systems, power generation systems, and a logistics support component.
The company has expanded its presence in India through the development of Group Engineering Competence Centre (ECC) aimed at offering high-level expertise in four key digital technologies: the Internet of Things (IoT)/connectivity, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.
The ECC in Noida is focused on the Digital Identity and Security business of Thales. The ECC in Bengaluru focuses on hardware, software and systems engineering capabilities for aerospace, transportation and defence sectors, serving global needs.
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