French aerospace and technology giant Thales has completed local sourcing of €500 million from India and intends to increase it to over €1 billion over the next five years, according to Patrice Cain, President and CEO of Thales Group.
“We see India as a top country; Not only 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 develop this as part of our global supply chain,” explained Kane business Line.
JV with Reliance
Thales’ strategy to develop its industrial footprint in India is in line with the “Make in India” policy of the central government.
The company has forged various cooperative partnerships with public and private sector industries including Samtel, BEL, L&T Technology Services and Reliance Aerostructure Limited.
Thales also has a joint venture with Reliance Defense Limited, which is taking advantage of the offset commitment as part of the Rafale deal between India and France.
“JV with Reliance is underway. We have integrated radar and other equipment which now helps in fulfilling the Rafale commitment.
“The second step is to develop and enhance these competencies in terms of support and maintenance from India,” Kane said.
Thales provides many modern equipment and systems aboard the Rafale. These include the RBE2 AESA radar, the Spectra Electronic Warfare System, optronics, communications navigation and identification systems, the majority of the cockpit display system, power generation systems and a logistics support component. “We have doubled our business from India in the last three years. I see growth potential in defense and aerospace. We find excellence in India in terms of talent as well,” Kane said.
competence center
The French company has established its presence in India through the development of the Group Engineering Competence Center (ECC) with an aim to provide high-level expertise in four key digital technologies: Internet of Things (IoT)/connectivity, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. Expanded presence. .
ECC in Noida is focused on Thales’ digital identity and security business.
ECC in Bengaluru focuses on hardware, software and systems engineering capabilities for the aerospace, transportation and defense sectors meeting global needs.
In India, Thales hired over 300 employees in 2020 and plans to hire 300 more in 2021.
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