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{{Short description|French multinational company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Thales S.A.
| logo = Thales Logo.svg
| logo_size = 
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{unbulleted list|{{EuronextParis|HO|FR0000121329|XPAR}}|[[CAC 40]] component}}
| ISIN = FR0000121329
| industry = {{unbulleted list|[[Aerospace]]| [[Arms industry|Defence]]| [[Electronics]]| [[Computer security|Cybersecurity]]}}
| predecessor = [[Thomson-CSF]]
| successor = 
| foundation = {{start date and age|2000|12|06|df=yes}}
| founder =
| location_city = [[Paris]]
| location_country = France
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = Patrice Caine ([[chairman]] and [[chief executive officer|CEO]])
| products = Tactical radios, [[remote controlled weapon station]]s, [[radar]]s, [[infantry mobility vehicle]]s, aerospace electronics, [[aeronautics]]
| revenue = {{increase}} {{€|20.57 billion|link=yes}}<ref name="FS 2024">{{cite report|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/prezly/documents/Thales%20-%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements%20at%2031%20December%202024.pdf |title=CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 |publisher=Thales |access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2024
| operating_income = {{increase}} €1.69 billion<ref name="FS 2024"/>
| income_year = 2024
| net_income = {{increase}} €1.41 billion<ref name="FS 2024"/>
| net_income_year = 2024
| assets = {{increase}} €39.98 billion<ref name="FS 2024"/>
| assets_year = 2024
| equity = {{increase}} €7.55 billion<ref name="FS 2024"/>
| equity_year = 2024
| num_employees = 83,000<ref name="FS 2024"/>
| num_employees_year = 2024
| parent = 
| divisions = [[Thales Optronics]]
| subsid = {{ubl|[[OEMServices]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oemservices.aero/about/#shareholders|title=OEMServices Shareholders|publisher=OEMServices }}</ref>|[[Thales Defense & Security]]|[[Thales Air Defence]]|[[Thales Underwater Systems]]|Thales Services|[[Thales Nederland]]|[[Thales Australia]]|Thales Japan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/ja/taxonomy/term/9?page=1|title=タレスジャパン|access-date=Nov 19, 2022}}</ref>|[[Thales Training & Simulation]]|[[Thales Alenia Space]]|[[Thales Elektronic Systems GmbH]]|[[Edisoft]]|SYSGO|Vormetric|[[Imperva]]}}
| website = {{URL|thalesgroup.com}}
}}

'''Thales S.A.''', [[Trade name|trading as]] '''Thales Group''' ({{IPA|fr|talɛs|language}}), is a French [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[aerospace]] and [[defence industry|defence]] corporation specialising in [[electronics]].

It designs, develops and manufactures a wide variety of aerospace and military systems, devices and equipment but also operates in the [[computer security|cybersecurity]] and formerly civil [[ground transportation]] sectors. The company is headquartered in [[Paris]]' business district, [[La Défense]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/cp_150105_le_siege_social_du_groupe_thales_sinstalle_a_la_defense.pdf |title=Le siège social du groupe Thales s'installe à La Défense |date=5 January 2015 |publisher=Thales Group |access-date=2016-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513091515/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/cp_150105_le_siege_social_du_groupe_thales_sinstalle_a_la_defense.pdf |archive-date=2016-05-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and its stock is listed on [[Euronext Paris]].

Founded as [[Thomson-CSF]] in 1968, the group was rebranded ''Thales'' in 2000 due to the company's desire to simplify and improve the group's brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aerospaceonline.com/doc/thomson-csf-changes-name-to-thales-0001|title=Thomson-CSF changes name to Thales|website=www.aerospaceonline.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 December 2000 |title=Thomson-CSF devient Thales pour manifester sa nouvelle identité |website=[[Le Monde]] |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2000/12/07/thomson-csf-devient-thales-pour-manifester-sa-nouvelle-identite_3715709_1819218.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 December 2000 |title=Adieu Thomson-CSF, bonjour Thales |work=Les Echos |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/2000/12/adieu-thomson-csf-bonjour-thales-758678}}</ref> 

Thales is partially owned by the [[Agence des participations de l'État|French state]]<ref name=Facts>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/about-us |title=About us |year=2017 |publisher=Thales Group |access-date=17 March 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317234536/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/about-us |archive-date=17 March 2017 }}</ref> and operates in more than 68 countries. In 2023, the company generated €18,42 billion in revenue and was the 17th largest [[defence contractor]] in the world,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/ |title=Top 100 for 2024 |publisher= defensenews |date=}}</ref> with 53% of its total revenue generated from its military activities.

==History==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2021}}
[[File:Thales Paris-Saclay.JPG|thumb|left|The Thales research centre in the [[business cluster]] of [[Paris-Saclay]], [[France]]]]
The firm began as ''Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston'' (CFTH), established in 1893. In 1968 [[Thomson SA|Thomson-Brandt]] (a renamed CFTH) merged its electronics arm with that of [[Compagnie générale de la télégraphie sans fil]] (CSF) to form [[Thomson-CSF]], which changed its name to Thales in December 2000.

In October 1999, [[Samsung Electronics]] announced a 50-50 joint venture with the global French defense contractor. The joint venture, based in [[South Korea]], would be led by a CEO appointed by Samsung Electronics and will take over the entire defense business that Samsung Electronics has been conducting, which employed 697 people and generated sales of KRW 163.1 billion (US$134.5 million) the previous year. The new company would now market Samsung Electronics' defense [[Communications system|communication]] equipment, [[satellite communication]] systems and [[Terminal (telecommunication)|terminals]], [[Fire-control system|fire control systems]], [[radar guidance]] equipment including detection and tracking devices, and gunner's sights; and would begin overseas exports through Thomson's sales network.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0004478581?sid=101|title=삼성전자-톰슨, 방산 합작계약|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|date=28 October 1999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924223159/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0004478581?sid=101|archivedate=24 September 2022|accessdate=24 September 2022|author=Park Sang-hyeon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200041548498681.pdf|title=방산업체소개-글로벌 방산의 리더 삼성톰슨CSF|publisher=Korea Defense Industry Association|date=1 May 2000|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410050121/https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200041548498681.pdf|archivedate=10 April 2023|accessdate=10 April 2023|author=}}</ref> Samsung stated that the two parent companies also intended to combine their respective areas of competitive advantage to jointly develop and sell next-generation products.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0004478581?sid=101|title=삼성전자-톰슨, 방산 합작계약|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|date=28 October 1999|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924223159/https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0004478581?sid=101|archivedate=24 September 2022|accessdate=24 September 2022|author=Park Sang-hyeon}}</ref>

In June 2001, Thales formed [[ThalesRaytheonSystems]], an equal-ownership joint venture with [[Raytheon]] combining their radar and communication systems divisions. It was restructured in 2016 to sell exclusively to [[NATO]] agencies and [[Member states of NATO|member]] states.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSFWN19N0FL|title=BRIEF-Raytheon, Thales modify ThalesRaytheonSystems joint venture...|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2002, Thales set up the joint venture company Armaris with the French shipbuilder [[DCNS (company)|DCN]] to offer a total "bottom up" shipbuilding capability. Also in 2002, Thales Broadcast Multimedia, a former subsidiary of Thales, provided [[China]] with standard [[short-wave]] radio-broadcasting equipment designed for general public [[radio broadcasting]]. Though the contract was not for this purpose, it later appeared that China used these [[ALLISS]] [[Antenna (radio)|antenna]]s for jamming foreign radio broadcasts to China.

In 2003, Thales UK's design won the competition for the [[Royal Navy]] [[Royal Navy CVF programme|Future Carrier (CVF)]], and the company now participates in an alliance company with [[BAE Systems]] and the United Kingdom's [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]].

Thales Navigation, a division that produced [[satellite navigation]] units, was sold to private equity group Shah Capital Partners in 2006 for $170 million and renamed [[Magellan Navigation|Magellan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/72710/thales-completes-sale-of-gps-navigation-business.html|title=Thales Finalizes the Sale of Its GPS Navigation Business to Shah Capital Partners|website=www.defense-aerospace.com|access-date=2018-12-04|archive-date=2022-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222174827/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/72710/thales-completes-sale-of-gps-navigation-business.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geospatialworld.net/news/shah-capital-partners-completes-acquisition-of-thales-navigation-now-magellan/|title=Shah Capital Partners completes acquisition of Thales Navigation, now Magellan|website=Geospatialworld|date=4 September 2006}}</ref>

===Acquisitions===
In 2006, Thales acquired [[Australian Defence Industries]], a major manufacturer of military equipment such as smokeless gunpowder and the [[Bushmaster IMV]].

In April 2006, Thales announced it would acquire [[Alcatel-Lucent|Alcatel]]'s space business (67% of [[Alcatel Alenia Space]] and 33% of [[Telespazio]]) and Alcatel's Rail Signalling Solutions division, in a deal which raised Alcatel's ownership of Thales to 21.66 percent. The French government would also decrease its ownership in Thales to 27.1 percent from 31.3 percent as part of the acquisition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/a4ee8db8-c471-11da-b7c1-0000779e2340 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/a4ee8db8-c471-11da-b7c1-0000779e2340 |archive-date=2022-12-10 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Thales agrees to Alcatel satellite deal|date=2006-04-05|website=Financial Times|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-12-04}}</ref> The deal would also include the Systems Integration activities (those not dedicated to telecoms operators, and covering mainly the transport and energy sectors). In January 2007, the 1.7 billion Euro deal ($2.24 billion) was approved.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/thales-space-aproval/thales-shareholders-back-alcatel-lucent-space-deal-idUSPAC00743420070105|title=Thales shareholders back Alcatel-Lucent space deal|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2008, Thales acquired British [[hardware security module]] vendor nCipher.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/11/ncipher_thales_deal/ |title=Thales swoops on nCipher for hardware encryption goodness |author=John Leyden |date=11 July 2008 |publisher=The Register }}</ref>

In December 2008, Alcatel agreed to sell a 20.8% stake in French engineering group Thales SA to Dassault Aviation SA for €1.57 billion ($2.27 billion).

In 2012, SYSGO was taken over by the Thales Group of France. It was a German IT company that supplies operating systems and services for embedded systems with high safety and security-related requirements, using Linux.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelé |first=Anne-Françoise |date=2012-11-16 |title=Thales acquires Sysgo |url=https://www.eetimes.com/thales-acquires-sysgo/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |website=EE Times}}</ref>

In 2014, Alcatel-Lucent initiated talks to sell its cybersecurity unit to Thales.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-alcatel-lucent-thales/alcatel-lucent-in-talks-to-sell-cybersecurity-unit-to-thales-idUSBREA4L0WJ20140522|title=Alcatel-Lucent in talks to sell cybersecurity unit to Thales|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref> The deal was signed in October  of that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usine-digitale.fr/article/thales-fait-l-acquisition-des-activites-de-services-de-securite-d-alcatel-lucent.N294612|title=Thales fait l'acquisition des activités de services de sécurité d'Alcatel-Lucent|work=usine-digitale.fr|access-date=2018-12-04|language=fr-FR}}</ref>

In 2016, Thales acquired [[Vormetric]], a data security company, for $400M.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/10/20/thales_buys_vormetric/ |title=Thales buys Vormetric for $400m in major security biz push |author=John Leyden |date=20 October 2015 |publisher=The Register }}</ref>

In 2017, it acquired Guavus<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/group/press-release/thales-acquires-guavus-one-pioneers-real-time-big-data-analytics |title=Thales acquires Guavus, one of the pioneers of real-time big data analytics |date=28 April 2017 |publisher=Thales Group }}</ref> and bid €4.76B for digital security company [[Gemalto]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/2017/12/18/thales-outflanks-atos-with-surprise-5-6-billion-gemalto-bid |title=Thales Outflanks Atos With Surprise $5.6 Billion Gemalto Bid |author1=Francois de Beaupuy |author2=Marie Mawad |date=18 December 2017 |publisher=Bloomberg }}</ref>

In 2018, Thales committed to divesting nCipher as a condition for its acquisition of Gemalto;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://blog.thalesesecurity.com/2018/12/13/an-open-letter-to-our-customers-and-partners/ |title=An open letter to our customers and partners - Data Security Blog &#124; Thales eSecurity |access-date=2018-12-22 |archive-date=2019-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712204833/https://blog.thalesesecurity.com/2018/12/13/an-open-letter-to-our-customers-and-partners/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> in June 2019 it divested nCipher to [[Datacard Group|Entrust]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.entrustdatacard.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/2019/completes-purchase-of-ncipher-security-from-thales|title=Entrust Datacard completes purchase of market-leading general-purpose hardware security business, nCipher Security, from Thales|access-date=2019-06-07|archive-date=2019-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607172201/https://www.entrustdatacard.com/about/newsroom/press-releases/2019/completes-purchase-of-ncipher-security-from-thales|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2023, Thales acquired cybersecurity company, [[Imperva]], from [[Thoma Bravo]] for $3.6B.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/syl11typch |title=
Thales acquiring cybersecurity company Imperva for $3.6 billion |author=Meir Orbach |date=25 July 2023 |publisher=CTech }}</ref> The acquisition was completed in December 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thales Acquires Imperva, a Global Leader in Cybersecurity - Press Release |url=https://cpl.thalesgroup.com/about-us/newsroom/thales-acquires-imperva-global-leader-in-cybersecurity-press-release |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=cpl.thalesgroup.com}}</ref>

== Operations ==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2021}}
Thales Group supplies electronic devices and equipment used by the French Armed Forces from its past as Thomson-CSF, including the [[SPECTRA helmet]] for the army and the ''gendarmerie''. It has worked with [[Dassault Aviation]] on the [[Dassault Rafale]] aircraft and made its [[Thales Spectra|SPECTRA]] defensive aids. Thales often worked with DCNS and designed the electronics used on French ships, and it is involved in the construction of both the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|5}} and [[FREMM multipurpose frigate|FREMM]] programs. Thales, as Thomson-CSF, was involved in the [[Taiwan frigates scandal]], relating to the sale of {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate|1}}s to Taiwan.

It is also present in [[Eurosam]] as Thomson-CSF was a founder of the consortium along with [[Aérospatiale]] and [[Alenia Aeronautica]]. In February 2004, Thales was awarded a contract for a new command and control system for the French Navy, the SIC 21, that will be fitted on the Charles de Gaulle, many vessels and shore locations.

Additionally, the initially planned [[French aircraft carrier PA2]] involved Thales as the main designer of the ship. However, the project was cancelled in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/frances-only-aircraft-carrier-super-weapon-or-paper-tiger-25376|title=France's Only Aircraft Carrier: Super Weapon or Paper Tiger?|last=Farley|first=Robert|date=2018-04-15|work=The National Interest|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en}}</ref>

Thales is also working on [[X-ray]] imaging, finances, energy and operating commercial satellites.

By 2012, the company is mainly composed of five branches: Defense, Security, Space, Aerospace and Ground transportation.

Among the EU-supported projects Thales participates in are:
* [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]] - the European satellite navigation system, similar to [[Global Positioning System|GPS]]/[[GLONASS|Glonass]]/[[BeiDou]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spyworld-actu.com/spip.php?article658 |title=Thales sélectionné pour sécuriser Galileo |website=Spyworld Actu |date=25 August 2005 |language=fr }}</ref>
* [[SESAR Joint Undertaking|SESAR]] - both as an aircraft equipment manufacturer and as an ATM system vendor<ref>[https://archive.today/20130708123727/http://www.sesarju.eu/players/experts/sesar-must-be-applicable-globally--458 SESAR must be applicable globally],{{dead link |date=March 2018}} ''sesarju.eu'', March 2, 2011</ref>

===Defence===
[[File:ILA 2018, Schönefeld (1X7A5464).jpg|thumb|Thales Ground Master 200 [[active electronically scanned array]]]]
The company's design won the competition for the Royal Navy [[Royal Navy CVF programme|Future Carrier (CVF)]]. It is part of the AirTanker consortium, the winning bid for the RAF's [[Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft]]. Thales UK won the contract for the [[British Army]] [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] programme, [[Thales Watchkeeper WK450|Watchkeeper]]. It also produces the [[SWARM]] [[remote weapon station]]. Thales simulators include full motion devices as well as flat panels and other training facilities.

[[Thales Air Defence]] produces a range of short-range missile systems such as the [[Starstreak missile|Starstreak]] surface-to-air missile or [[Martlet (missile)|Lightweight Multi-role Missile]] (LMM).

In 2022, during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], major arms manufacturers, including Thales,<ref>{{cite news |title=France's Thales Plans to Hire 12,000 As Defense Orders Surge |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-25/france-s-thales-plans-to-hire-12-000-as-defense-orders-surge?leadSource=uverify%20wall |work=Bloomberg |date=25 February 2023}}</ref> reported a sharp increase in interim sales and profits.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine war: How weapons makers are profiting from the conflict |url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-how-weapons-makers-are-profiting-from-the-conflict-12624574 |work=Sky News |date=10 June 2022}}</ref>

===Aerospace===
The Thales ATM (Air Traffic Management) solution is marketed under the name "TopSky", previously named "EuroCat". Thales supplies avionics to civil aircraft manufacturers, including [[fly-by-wire]] systems, cockpit systems, navigation computers, satellite communication, inflight entertainment and electrical systems. The coordination of Thales parts' servicing and maintenance is coordinated by its [[Maintenance (technical)|MRO]] division; [[OEMServices]], which handles the repair flow for component maintenance support.

In November 2017, Thales acquired a UK radar provider called Aveillant which produces software-defined holographic radar technology, which can detect small targets such as drones.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/thales-completes-acquisition-of-aveillant/ |title= Thales completes the acquisition of Aveillant, world pioneer in holographic radar technology |date= Nov 29, 2017 |access-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-date= December 9, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123803/https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/thales-completes-acquisition-of-aveillant/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>

In February 2018, Thales won on a A$1.2 billion ($946 million) contract with [[Airservices Australia]] and the [[Australian Department of Defence]] to unify Australia's [[Civil Air Transport|civil]] and [[military airspace]] under a single [[Air traffic control|air traffic control system]], named "OneSKY".<ref>{{cite news|title=Thales wins A$1.2 billion air traffic deal in Australia|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/thales-australia/update-1-thales-wins-a1-2-billion-air-traffic-deal-in-australia-idUSL8N1QG1FN|website=Reuters|date=26 February 2018|access-date=27 February 2018}}</ref>

===Ground transportation===
Thales has had major involvement in the UK rail industry as a result of the Racal merger and the 2006 acquisition of Alcatel's Rail Signalling Solutions division and transport business.<ref>http://www.meghas.com/News_and_events/2009-04-28_UK_FOC_Inside_Transport/?pid=1566{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As of 2025, Thales is to modernise 40 per cent of London Tube network [[London Underground]].<ref name="thalesukfactsheet">{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/canada/press-release/thales-modernize-40-cent-london-tube-network |title=Thales to modernize 40 per cent of London Tube network |date=3 August 2015 |publisher=Thales Group }}</ref>

In Denmark, Thales now owns 100% of the "East-west Consortium" contracted for a nationwide travel card (Danish: "[[Rejsekort]]").<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/transportation/news/nationwide-interoperable-contactless-ticketing-across-denmark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415070123/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/transportation/news/nationwide-interoperable-contactless-ticketing-across-denmark |archive-date=2016-04-15  |title=Nationwide interoperable contactless ticketing across Denmark |publisher=thalesgroup.com|date= |accessdate=2022-08-19}}</ref>

In India, Thales was selected in December 2014 by the New Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to deliver a completely automated fare collection system, as well as ticketing equipment.<ref name="Railway Technology">{{Cite news|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/uncategorised/newsthales-to-deliver-|title=Thales to deliver automatic fare collection system for Bangkok Metro's Blue Line|date=2017-08-24|work=Railway Technology|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-GB}}</ref> Thales has also been contracted by [[Hyderabad Metro Rail]] since 2017 to provide train control automation and communication services for the metro in [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/hyderabad-metro-gets-thales-signal-systems/article9979513.ece|title=Hyderabad metro gets Thales signal systems|work=@businessline|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en}}</ref>

In 2014, the company was tasked with equipping the public transport system of [[Bordeaux]], France, with a contactless ticketing and revenue collection system, to be installed by February 2017. However, due to delays, the system was not expected to be operational until 2019.<ref name="Railway Technology"/>

In 2017, Thales was involved in a train collision in Singapore, resulting from a compatibility issue between the old signalling system's interface, and the new one. The accident resulted in 38 minor injuries.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/joo-koon-train-collision-signalling-system-provider-thales-could-9425970 |title= Joo Koon train collision: Signalling system provider Thales 'could have done better', says Khaw Boon Wan |date= Nov 21, 2017 |work= Channel News Asia |access-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-date= November 21, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171121121554/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/joo-koon-train-collision-signalling-system-provider-thales-could-9425970 |url-status= dead }}</ref> A similar incident occurred in March 2019 in [[Hong Kong]] on the [[Tsuen Wan line]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Claire Huang|title=Hong Kong MTR train crash blamed on Thales signalling system linked to Joo Koon collision|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-mtr-trains-collide-during-trial-run-one-driver-injured|publisher=The Straits Times|time=2019-03-18|access-date=2019-03-18}}</ref>

In Vietnam, the company was awarded a €265 million contract in 2017 to deliver the telecommunications system for the currently constructed Line 3 of the [[Hanoi]] metro.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/newsthales-receives-first-contract-in-vietnam-for-construction-of-line-3-of-hanoi-metro-5745427/|title=Thales to supply telecommunications system for Vietnam's Hanoi metro Line 3|date=2017-02-21|work=Railway Technology|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-GB}}</ref> Running behind schedule by one year, the metro line is stated to be launched in 2023.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/sluggish-hanoi-metro-defers-line-3-launch-to-2023-3760055.html|title=Sluggish Hanoi metro defers Line 3 launch to 2023 - VnExpress International|last=VnExpress|work=VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en}}</ref>

In Turkey, the Thales team delivered the first High Speed Line in the country in 2009, and has completed more than {{convert|400|km|abbr=on}} of the Ankara Istanbul High Speed Line.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.thalesgroup.com/tr/dunya-capinda/global-presence-eurasia-turkey/ulastirma|title=Thales Global Presence Eurasia Turkey - Transportation |date= Feb 26, 2019 |work=Thales Group}}</ref>

Effective 31 May 2024, the ground transportation division was sold off to [[Hitachi Rail]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 May 2024 |title=Hitachi Rail to add around 1,000 employees in Canada as Thales deal closes |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-hitachi-rail-to-add-around-1000-employees-in-canada-as-thales-deal/ |access-date=2 June 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |language=en-CA}}</ref> The deal was made at $2.5 billion.

== Other activities ==
Thales is also a major manufacturer of [[in-flight entertainment]] systems on board airliners.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2018/04/12/thales-aims-for-market-segmentation-with-three-ife-systems/|title=Thales aims for market segmentation with three IFE systems - Runway Girl|date=2018-04-12|work=Runway Girl|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref> Thales' primary competitors in this area of business include [[Panasonic Avionics Corporation]] and [[Rockwell Collins]].

Thales also produces and installs ticketing and communications systems for [[public transport]]ation via its ticketing and revenue collection division. In November 2016, Thales announced its intention to divest from its transport ticketing, revenue collection, road toll and car park management business.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.railjournal.com/financial/thales-to-sell-its-fare-collection-business/|title=Thales to sell its fare collection business - International Railway Journal|date=2016-11-18|work=International Railway Journal|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref> The company entered into negotiations with Paris-based Latour Capital, but the negotiations ended in 2017 after Latour Capital announced this business was "not aligned closely enough with its investment priorities."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/thales-to-sell-ticketing-business.html|title=Thales to sell ticketing business|last=Ltd|first=DVV Media International|work=Railway Gazette|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en|archive-date=2018-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204200623/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/thales-to-sell-ticketing-business.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After subsequent talks with [[China|Chinese]] investors failed, Thales abandoned the divestment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-thales-says-end-talks-with-latour/brief-thales-says-end-talks-with-latour-capital-on-sale-of-revenue-collection-road-tolling-business-idUSP6N1GB01P|title=BRIEF-Thales says end talks with Latour Capital on sale of revenue...|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-12-04|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Thales international ==
Thales' international subsidiaries generated 52% of the company's revenue in 2008, with Thales UK being the largest of these accounting for 13% of group revenue.<ref name="AR2008">{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/thales_ddr_2016_va.pdf |title=Annual Report 2016 |access-date=9 May 2017 |publisher=Thales }}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Its large presence in the UK (largely as a result of the [[Racal]] acquisition) has resulted in several high-profile contracts.

Thales has offices in:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/global/group/about-us/thales-worldwide |title=Our Global Prensence |publisher=Thales Group }}</ref>
* Africa: [[South Africa]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern-ireland-news/16184/thales-win-multi-million-pound-missile-deal |title=Thales win multi-million pound missile deal |website=4NI.co.uk |date=8 May 2003 }}</ref> [[Egypt]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/thales-egypt|title=Egypt|publisher=Thales Group|access-date=2016-04-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422214017/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/thales-egypt|archive-date=2016-04-22}}</ref> [[Morocco]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://telquel.ma/2017/09/07/thales-investit-20-millions-deuros-nouaceur-rutilante-usine-dimpression-3d_1560405 |title=Thales investit 20 millions d'euros à Nouaceur pour sa rutilante usine d'impression 3D |date=7 September 2017 |website=Telquel.ma |language=fr }}</ref>
* Asia: [[Oman]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[United Arab Emirates]], [[Qatar]], [[Pakistan]], [[India]], [[China]], [[Hong Kong]], [[South Korea]], [[Singapore]], [[Japan]], [[Vietnam]], [[Taiwan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/global/group/about-us/thales-worldwide|title=Thales Worldwide {{!}} Thales Group|website=www.thalesgroup.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-04}}</ref>
* Europe: [[Norway]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Denmark]], [[Switzerland]], [[Austria]], [[Romania]], [[Poland]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[Portugal]], [[Hungary]], [[Turkey]]
* Oceania: [[Australia]]
* North America: [[Canada]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/thales-canada-aerospace-division-is-changing-locations-795775.htm |title=Thales Canada, Aerospace Division is Changing Locations |website=Market Wire |date=23 November 2007 }}</ref> [[Mexico]], [[United States]], [[Dominican Republic]].
* South America:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://groundreport.com/cesar-kuberek-and-thales-lead-the-way-in-latin-america/ |title=Cesar Kuberek and Thales Lead the Way in Latin America |author=Adam Sandle |website=Ground Report |date=2 July 2013 }}</ref> [[Brazil]], [[Argentina]].

== Products ==
{{expand list|date=November 2015}}
* [[Thales Watchkeeper WK450|Watchkeeper WK450 drone]]
* [[TopSky (air traffic control)|TopSky air traffic control system]]
* Search Master, Ocean Master and Sea Fire radars<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/07/09/344173/thales-launches-search-master-family-of-aesa-radars.html
|access-date=2010-07-20
|title=Thales launches Search Master family of AESA radars
}}</ref>
* [[Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle|Bushmaster armoured vehicle]]
* [[Steyr AUG#Australian adopted variants|F88 Austeyr assault rifle]]
* [[Hawkei|Hawkei armoured car]]
* [[Goalkeeper CIWS]]
* [[Line of Sight Communication Systems]]
* [[Starstreak missile]]
* [[Crotale (missile)|Crotale missile]]
* [[Thales Ground Fire]]
* [[Ground Master 400]]
* [[Ground Master 200]]
* [[Ground Master 200 Multi Mission]]
* [[Jamming Systems]]
* [[SelTrac]]
* [[Data Protection on Demand]]
* AVANT In-Flight Entertainment System<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/global/activites/aeronautique/lexperience-thales-inflyt/flight-entertainment|access-date=2019-03-21|title=In-Flight Entertainment}}</ref>
*Connectivity

* Full motion simulator for the Scout Armoured Vehicle

* SOSNA-U Thermal Sight (used on Russian T-72B3 and T-80BVM tanks)

== Financial information ==
As of December 2024, Thales' major shareholders are the [[France|French state]] (26.60%) and [[Dassault Aviation]] (26.59%).<ref>{{cite web|title=THALES SHARE|url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/investor/retail-investors/share-and-shareholding|access-date=2024-12-31|website=Thales Group}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
===Greater Manchester===
A [[High Court of Justice|High Court]] case decided in 2012 between Thales (supplier of Greater Manchester's tram management system)<ref>Thales Group, [https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/europe/united-kingdom/about-thales-uk/our-uk-locations/thales-england/thales-north Thales in the North], accessed 8 May 2022</ref> and [[Transport for Greater Manchester]] (TGM) considered the operation of an audit clause in a contract, and the extent to which a supplier must comply with this. Thales had submitted claims for increased costs and for extensions to the time allowed for delivery of the system. TGM made various requests for documents intended to better help assess their claims. The Court instructed Thales to supply the requested documents.<ref>Fenwick Elliott, [https://www.fenwickelliott.com/sites/default/files/dispatch_issue_152.pdf Dispatch, Issue 152 February 2013], accessed 8 May 2022</ref>

=== Bordeaux project mismanagement ===
Although the ticketing system in Bordeaux was originally due for launch in the summer of 2017, multiple delays pushed the new launch date back by 20 months to 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/bordeaux/2339311-20180919-bordeaux-encore-retard-nouvelle-billettique-reseau-tbm-devrait-etre-fin-prete-mars-2019|title=Bordeaux: Encore en retard, la nouvelle billettique du réseau TBM devrait être fin prête en mars 2019|website=www.20minutes.fr|date=19 September 2018 |language=fr|access-date=2018-12-04}}</ref> The project's many setbacks are considered to reflect negatively on the city's reputation, with Bordeaux's city's mayor and former [[Prime Minister of France|French prime minister]] [[Alain Juppé]], calling Thales' inability to meet its commitments "unacceptable behaviour."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://rue89bordeaux.com/2017/06/transports-gauche-contre-hausse-tarifs-tbm-juppe-abandon-tram/|title=Transports : la gauche contre la hausse des tarifs, Juppé parle d'abandon du tram - Rue89 Bordeaux|date=2017-06-17|work=Rue89 Bordeaux|access-date=2018-12-04|language=fr-FR}}</ref>

=== Centralised slush fund ===
Michel Josserand, former head of THEC, a subsidiary of Thales, and Dominique Monleau alleged that Thales has a centralised [[slush fund]] that it uses to bribe officials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iledere.parti-socialiste.fr/2008/06/06/thales-a-la-barre-du-tribunal/|title=Section socialiste de l'île de Ré » Thales à la barre du tribunal|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825220240/http://iledere.parti-socialiste.fr/2008/06/06/thales-a-la-barre-du-tribunal/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== South Africa ===
{{main|Schabir Shaik trial|Jacob Zuma corruption charges|South African Arms Deal}}

On 30 May 2005, [[Schabir Shaik]], the financial advisor to [[Jacob Zuma]], the deputy president of the [[African National Congress]] party, was found guilty by the [[High Court of South Africa|High Court]] in Durban of organising a bribe on behalf of [[Thomson-CSF]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4408020.stm|title=Thales firms in Zuma indictment|date=4 November 2005|publisher=BBC News|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref>

On 22 January 2020, the [[KwaZulu-Natal High Court]] in [[Pietermaritzburg]] ruled that both the Thales Group and Zuma could be criminally tried for alleged illegal arms dealings which Thales was allowed to undergo in South Africa.<ref name=zumaandthales>{{cite news|url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/green-light-for-zuma-arms-deal-corruption-trial-after-thales-loses-court-bid-46dbdb52-5a6a-4184-81f0-19340d2e955f|title=Green light for Zuma arms deal corruption trial after Thales loses court bid|first=Samkelo|last=Mtshal|publisher=IOL|date=January 22, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2020}}</ref><ref name=thalesandzuma>{{cite news|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/npas-victory-against-thales-takes-it-one-step-closer-to-putting-former-president-zuma-on-trial-20210122|title=NPA's victory against Thales takes it one step closer to putting former president Zuma on trial|first=Karyn|last=Maughan|publisher=[[News24 (website)|News24]]|date=January 22, 2021|access-date=April 16, 2021}}</ref> Zuma is said to have allowed these illegal Thales arms dealings when he was the nation's deputy [[President of South Africa|president]] and is also believed to have partaken in them as well.<ref name=thalesandzuma /><ref name=zumaandthales />

=== Taiwanese naval order ===
{{Expand French|Affaire des frégates de Taïwan|topic=gov,mil,hist|date=January 2015}}
On 10 June 2011, Thales Group and the French government were ordered to pay 630 million euros (almost a billion US dollars) in fines after the courts heard that bribes had been paid to the Taiwanese government to win a large naval contract. Part (about 27%) of the responsibility was transferred to Thales Group because it held the legacy from [[Thomson-CSF]]. {{Asof|2011}}, this is the largest corruption case in French history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseprocurementnews.com/2011/06/10/thales-and-french-government-to-share-in-fine-for-taiwanese-bribes/|title=Thales and French Government to Share in Fine for Taiwanese Bribes|date=10 June 2011|access-date=26 December 2016}}</ref>

=== Brazil submarines ===
In June 2024, police in France, Spain and the Netherlands searched the offices of Thales as part of a corruption probe. The operation is the result of two investigations; the first, opened at the end of 2016, focuses on suspected corruption of a foreign official, criminal association and money laundering involving the sale of submarines, and the construction of the naval base in Brazil. The second concerns similar offences linked to the sale of military and civilian equipment abroad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Police search Thales offices in three countries in corruption probe |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/police-search-thales-offices-three-countries-corruption-probe-2024-06-29/ |website=Reuters |date=29 June 2024 |access-date=4 July 2024}}</ref>

=== Kiwirok bombings ===
{{main|Kiwirok bombings}}
In October of 2021, the Indonesian government carried out bombing attacks against civilians in Kiwirok, [[Bintang Mountains Regency]], [[West Papua (province)|West Papua]]. Australian investigative journalists found Thales-designed and -manufactured bombs had been used, together with drones made by the Chinese company Ziyan.<ref name="friendlyjordies">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSf3268tAbg|title=Paradise Bombed|date=4 August 2023|accessdate=2 September 2023|first=Jordan|last=Shanks-Markovina|publisher=[[friendlyjordies]]}}</ref><ref name="png">{{cite web|url=https://www.friendlyjordies.com/post/report-on-the-continuing-aggravated-attack-serious-human-rights-violations-of-ngalum-kupel-people|title=Report on the continuing aggravated attack serious human rights violations of Ngalum Kupel people|first=Matthew|last=Jamieson|date=4 August 2023|accessdate=2 September 2023|publisher=PNG Integral Human Development Trust}}{{Dead link|date=September 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Russian supplies after arms embargo of the EU ===
Despite an EU arms embargo after the invasion of Crimea, Thales continued to supply systems to the Russian Army. This includes 800 Catherine XP thermal imaging cameras. The contract was signed in 2012. Thales also supplied TACAN navigation systems for 60 [[Su-30]], and SMD55S head-up displays. The contract for these systems was signed in 2014, and deliveries lasted until 2018. Around 20 Topowl helmets were supplied to Russia for the [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG 29]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Disclose.ngo |url=https://disclose.ngo/en/article/war-in-ukraine-how-france-delivered-weapons-to-russia-until-2020 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Disclose.ngo |language=fr}}</ref>

Sofradir, a joint venture of Thales and Safran, supplied infrared detectors beyond 2016, with 258 of these remaining to be delivered.<ref name=":0" />

== Components ==
* [[Thales Air Defence Limited]]
* [[Thales Underwater Systems]]
* [[Thales Nederland]]
* [[Thales Optronics]]
* [[Thales Rail Signalling Solutions]]
* Thales Information System, ([[Belgium]])
* Thales Avionics, ([[Melbourne, Florida]])

== See also ==
* [[Bernard Favre d'Echallens]]
* [[Thomson SA]]
{{Portal bar|France|Companies|Aviation}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
* {{Official}}

{{CAC 40 companies}}
{{Thales Group}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Thales Group| ]]
[[Category:Aerospace companies of France]]
[[Category:Aircraft component manufacturers of France]]
[[Category:CAC 40]]
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[[Category:Defence companies of France]]
[[Category:Electronics companies of France]]
[[Category:Engineering companies of France]]
[[Category:Multinational companies headquartered in France]]
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