Thales, the French multinational corporation specializing in aerospace, defense, and electronics, unveiled its state-of-the-art lab in India on Wednesday, claiming it to be the first of its kind in the country. The lab, dedicated to InFlyt (in-flight) Experience and Aviation Global Services, was officially inaugurated by Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil.
In his address, the Minister emphasized that the new facility would provide opportunities for hundreds of local engineers to engage in vital projects across avionics, air traffic management, connectivity, and flight management. Thales, which has already played a significant role in India’s defense electronics sector through its joint venture, BEL-Thales Systems in Bengaluru, further strengthened its presence in the city with the inauguration of its second office.
“Thales has established a robust and lasting presence in Karnataka over the years, contributing across defense, aerospace, and digital technologies. The company has also actively partnered with local industries, top academic institutions, and the wider innovation ecosystem to boost the state’s aerospace and defense sectors,” Mr Patil remarked.
Minister Patil also noted that Karnataka currently accounts for a remarkable 65 percent of India’s aerospace and defense industry. He pointed to notable developments such as the launch of the TASL H125 helicopter assembly line in Bengaluru, the expansion of IndiGo’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility, and Safran’s establishment of an avionics unit as further examples of Karnataka’s rising prominence in this field.
These initiatives, he said, not only generate skilled jobs but also foster opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers. The Minister further highlighted that Karnataka boasts cutting-edge engine manufacturing, innovative start-ups, advanced satellite imaging technology, and strong collaborations between multinational corporations and nimble domestic firms.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the sector, the Minister assured that Karnataka would continue to provide a conducive policy environment that encourages investment, drives research and development, and nurtures engineering and scientific talent. Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global frontrunner in cutting-edge technologies, delivering solutions across Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital industries. The company’s diverse range of innovative products and services is designed to address major global challenges, including sovereignty, security, sustainability, and inclusion.
With an annual investment of over €4 billion in Research & Development, Thales focuses on advancing critical technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and cloud solutions, particularly for high-stakes environments. The company operates with a workforce of over 83,000 employees in 68 countries and achieved €20.6 billion in sales in 2024.
Thales has been present in India since 1953, with its headquarters in Noida and operational offices in major cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The company employs more than 2,200 people across India, including in its joint ventures. From the outset, Thales has played a pivotal role in India’s development by sharing its expertise and advanced technologies across Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors.
Thales operates two key engineering competence centres in India: one in Noida focusing on Cyber & Digital solutions, and another in Bengaluru, which specializes in hardware, software, and systems engineering for both the civil and defence industries, supporting global markets.
Thales has also made a significant contribution to India’s growing aviation sector. The company provides avionics and in-flight entertainment systems for a range of Indian civil aircraft and offers solutions to enhance airport security. Thales is also developing an advanced Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system for drone operations. Additionally, Thales has set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Gurugram, providing comprehensive avionics maintenance services to Indian airlines.
