Pune, March 9, 2024: Thales, the Paris-based multinational corporation specializing in defense technology, is set to collaborate with Indian companies, including L&T Defence, Bharat Forge, and state-owned Munitions India, to develop and manufacture defense weapon systems locally. Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Director of Thales, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering indigenous capabilities in line with existing foreign policy regulations.
Thales is gearing up to establish partnerships with Indian entities due to regulatory requirements, and it has already joined forces with Indian defense company MKU for the local manufacturing of infrared cameras. Saraf highlighted Thales’ plans to manufacture short-range unguided and laser-guided missiles in India, emphasizing the strategic importance of such technology, particularly in light of recent global events.
“In the technology of the future, laser-guided missiles have proven to be extremely impactful, as evident from the coverage of the Ukraine war,” Saraf stated. Thales aims to leverage its expertise to contribute to India’s defense capabilities by producing advanced weapon systems on home soil.
Additionally, Thales is actively exploring opportunities to offer its cybersecurity solutions to the armed forces, ranging from tactical communications to space exploration. Saraf noted that while the company has presented cybersecurity solutions, agreements have not been finalized yet, particularly in the context of airforce communications.
In 2023, Thales invested over Rs 2,000 crore in sourcing hardware, electronics, and software parts from 75 local manufacturers in India, with a significant portion dedicated to exports. The company, with a 70-year history of operations in India, previously supplied radar and electronic warfare sensors for the Rafale aircraft.
As Thales gears up to establish manufacturing operations in India, the strategic alliances with prominent Indian defense entities signify a significant step toward enhancing the country’s defense capabilities through indigenous development.
