• To be attributed to Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice President – India, Thales

Today, India stands at a defining juncture – driving rapid economic growth while strengthening strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and resilience across critical infrastructure. As the nation celebrates its 80th Independence Day and advances towards the Viksit Bharat vision, its industrial and technological ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation, positioning the country to emerge as a global competitive force.

Make in India has long been central to Thales’ strategy, reflecting our dedicated efforts towards developing local capabilities across defence, aerospace, cyber and digital and supporting India’s growth story. Building on our deep presence of more than seven decades and the ecosystem already established, we are now scaling our investments and capabilities to support India’s next phase of growth and self-reliance.

With a blend of global expertise and strong local presence, we are strengthening capabilities in critical systems, advanced manufacturing, and next-gen services.

Advancing research, pioneering deep technology and fostering collaborative innovation in India

Over the years, Thales has expanded its engineering competence centres in Noida and Bengaluru alongside empowering the local industry to play a more significant role in the global market. Today, a strong team of over 2400 employees, three-quarters of whom are engineers, is working for Thales and our JVs in India.

In the context of India–France Year of Innovation 2026, the launch of Thales Research & Technology India in Bengaluru marks a significant step in strengthening India’s R&D and innovation ecosystem. ​As an integral part of Thales’ Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru, Thales Research & Technology India will leverage its global technological expertise, supporting the development of advanced capabilities in real-time embedded software, edge-computing, and embedded AI, taking benefits from open-source hardware concepts.

In addition, aligned with our localisation strategy, we have established a robust supply chain ecosystem comprising of over 75 qualified supply chain partners serving both domestic and international markets across areas including mechanical parts, complex radar structures, and software and hardware development. This supply-chain ecosystem generates over 2,000 indirect jobs in India.  

Strengthening India’s defence preparedness

In an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment, India is undergoing a significant transformation in its defence ecosystem, with a sharp focus on indigenisation, modernisation, and operational readiness. 

As a global technology leader, Thales possesses a unique capability to design, develop, manufacture and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex service requirements. Drawing on its defence expertise, Thales continues to support the Indian armed forces with advanced solutions such as radars, optronics, sonar systems, avionics, electronic warfare systems, Laser Beam Riding MANPAD (LBRM), Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missiles and launchers, among others, enhancing the situational awareness and operational prowess of the forces. As a proud member of the Dassault Aviation Rafale team, Thales provides a range of state-of-the-art equipment onboard the fighter aircraft.

Having supported the Indian armed forces with key capabilities from its portfolio over the years, Thales remains committed to collaborating with local defence and industry partners, contributing to India’s industrial ecosystem.

Changing world dynamics, faster multi-dominant threats

Thales is well positioned to help armed forces meet the new reality with combat-proven capabilities that enable them to move from sensing to action with greater precision, reach, and protection. 

To take one example, as a global leader in 70mm rocket systems, Thales provides an end-to-end portfolio spanning launchers, motors, warheads, and Fire Control Systems for both guided and unguided rockets, including Counter-UAS solutions. For forces seeking adaptable, high-precision fire support, Thales’ 120mm mortar munitions provide responsive long-range engagement options.

Our radar portfolio, trusted worldwide by armed forces for air defence, surveillance, and counter-threats, offers scalable solutions from tactical to strategic missions. Thales has provided more than 300 Ground Master (GM) family radars in more than 40 countries, including GM200 MM/A and GM200 MM/C multi-mission 3D radars, and GM400α long-range AESA radar (515 km). For airborne surveillance, AirMaster C is a compact, mobile 3D radar supporting air surveillance and low-altitude monitoring. For tactical protection, GO100 delivers 360° short-range coverage (100 km) against ground and air targets, including counter-UAS and drone threats. 

These combat-proven systems are modular, climate-resilient, and interoperable – making them ideal for India’s defence evolving security needs as well.

Partnering India’s aviation & cyber growth story

Thales has contributed to India’s aviation ecosystem with success for several decades, working closely with airlines, airport operators, and aviation stakeholders across avionics, navigational aids, in-flight entertainment, DigiYatra, and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) services. 

In 2025, th Group opened an avionics MRO facility in Gurugram and an IFE & Services Lab in Bengaluru to develop and test IFE software and tools. Thales supplies avionics and IFE systems to airlines including Air India and IndiGo. Thales continues to partner with leading Indian airlines to support the performance and reliability of critical avionics, streamlining flight operations and inflight entertainment systems, helping them enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency. The company also plays a key role in enabling seamless and secure passenger journeys through the deployment of DigiYatra, powered by its Fly to Gate solution, across eight airports in India, alongside airport operation control centres that support the modernisation of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

On the cyber and digital front, Thales delivers end-to-end data and application security, including encryption and identity management, enabling enterprises and public authorities with trusted digital protection. Through these capabilities, Thales helps strengthen India’s cyber resilience in the digital age.

Commitment to a safer, self-reliant future

As India advances towards its Viksit Bharat (developed nation) vision by 2047, the next phase of its growth will be shaped by innovation, trusted partnerships and stronger indigenous capabilities. At Thales, we remain committed to strengthening our local teams, deepening local partnerships, expanding advanced capabilities across defence, aerospace cyber and digital, and building innovative solutions for a safer and self-reliant future.