The Indian defence and aerospace sector in India is witnessing a paradigm shift with an increased focus on indigenisation, marching towards the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. Government policies and industrial collaborations are enabling the country to build on manufacturing and export capabilities in the country.
With a 70+ year presence in India, Thales is fully committed to the government’s objective of ‘Make in India and for the world’. By leveraging our strong technological capabilities across defence, aerospace, cyber and digital markets, Thales has been contributing to the incredible growth story of India. We are actively supporting the Indian defence industry to play a greater role in world markets and build advanced in-country capabilities across critical systems, manufacturing and services through local teams and collaborations.
Strengthening India’s Armed Forces with Versatile Solutions
Thales offers a wide range of capabilities to help India’s armed forces achieve and sustain operational superiority. With our global expertise and technological prowess, Thales is supporting the Indian army with air defence radars, optronics and electronic warfare systems, alongside providing the IAF with cutting-edge technologies, including avionics, radars, reconnaissance pods, Identification friend or foe, as well as the Inertial Navigation to Global Positioning System. In addition to this, Thales provides trusted intelligence for Indian Navy with breakthrough technologies embedded in our combat-proven naval solutions such as electronic warfare, communications and sonar systems for submarines, surface ships and airborne platforms, long-range surveillance radar as well as mine-hunting solutions, among others.
Thales is also a major player of trusted AI in these complex environments, devoting massive efforts to research and development, both in-house and through academic and industry partnerships. These investments enable the Group to equip armed forces with greater efficiency in data analysis and decision-making, while taking into account the specific constraints, such as cybersecurity, embeddability and frugality, associated with critical environments.
Thales is supporting the Indian army with air defence radars, optronics and electronic warfare systems, alongside providing the IAF with cutting-edge technologies, including avionics, radars, reconnaissance pods, Identification friend or foe, as well as the Inertial Navigation to Global Positioning System
Adding Wings to the Indian Aerospace Industry’s Strength
Thales has been contributing to India’s aerospace sector for decades. In 2024, Air India selected Thales’ AVANTUp IFE entertainment for 51 of its wide body aircraft to elevate experience for its passengers. In the area of airport security, Thales has deployed its Fly to Gate biometric solution for DigiYatra at seven airports in India. In addition, we have been selected to deploy the Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) to optimise overall airport management and enhance passenger experience securely at these airports.
Moreover, Thales has partnered with Garuda Aerospace to promote the development of the drone ecosystem in India. This collaboration seeks to support India in realising its ambition to become a major global hub for drones by 2030.
Additionally, our investments in the upcoming avionics Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, set to be operational this year, underscores our commitment to delivering world-class services to Indian airline customers while supporting the local industry.
Thales has been contributing to India’s aerospace sector for decades. In 2024, Air India selected Thales’ AVANTUp IFE entertainment for 51 of its wide body aircraft to elevate experience for its passengers. In the area of airport security, Thales has deployed its Fly to Gate biometric solution for DigiYatra at seven airports in India
Showcasing our Commitment to India’s Growth Story at Aero India 2025
The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision is at the heart of our growth story in India. Thales is proud to have steadily built advanced manufacturing capabilities, critical systems, and services in India through local teams and collaborations.
Our objective is not just ‘Make in India’ but also ‘export from India’, enabling the local industry to play a greater role in global markets. Over the years, we have established a team of over 2,200 employees who are working with Thales and its joint ventures in the country.
Thales has formed various partnerships with public and private sector industries such as with Bharat Electronics Ltd, dedicated to radars among others. Additionally, we have also joined hands with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Kalyani Group, and MKU
Moreover, Thales has formed various partnerships with public and private sector industries such as with Bharat Electronics Ltd, dedicated to radars among others. Additionally, we have also joined hands with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Kalyani Group, and MKU.
With a growing network of over 75 qualified Indian suppliers, engaged in our global supply chain across defence and civil markets, generating more than 2,000 indirect jobs in India, Thales remains a trusted partner promoting sustainable manufacturing in the country for both India and the world.
As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Thales will continue to invest in our Indian growth story, bolstering our local teams, collaborations, and innovations for the future.
-The writer is a President and CEO, Thales International
