Thales accelerates defence production and industrial investment across Europe

Thales is significantly ramping up production across its key Defence programmes. The company’s capital expenditure is set to rise by over 40% during the 2024-2026 period, reaching approximately €830-850 million in 2026.

These investments will focus on seven major domains, including Air Surveillance, Air Defence, Effectors, Sonars, and Military communications.

Capital is being allocated to Thales’ industrial facilities in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and beyond. Efforts will be made to expand existing capacity, modernize facilities, invest in advanced engineering and information systems, and reduce delivery times.

In support of its growth strategy in core markets, Thales plans to recruit over 9,000 employees globally in 2026, with 70% of those positions located in Europe.

Thales has a storied history of fostering partnerships across European borders, working with national champions in various countries to co-develop and deliver collaborative solutions.

Key Production Initiatives

• Ground Master and Ground Surveillance Radars: In France, the Netherlands, and Germany, Thales is increasing its production capacity for Ground Master (GM) radar systems, following a strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence. This partnership aims to expand radar production and testing capabilities, ultimately boosting antenna production by 60% from 2025 to 2028.
• Laser Guided Rockets: Thales is investing in its Herstal site in Belgium to significantly amplify production capacity for unguided rockets and 70mm guided munitions, with a planned five-fold increase in output between 2024 and 2026.
• Munitions Production in France: Thales is targeting a four-fold increase in munitions production at its La Ferté-Saint-Aubin facility by 2026, enhanced by a modernization plan and a new automated foundry.
• SAMP/T Air Defence System: The company is doubling its share of production for the NATO mission-proven SAMP/T NG air defence system to meet increasing demands from European forces.
• Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM): Production in Belfast will increase four-fold through 2025 with plans to further expand capacity for a seven-fold increase within four years.
• Naval Systems: Production of CAPTAS naval sonar in France will rise by 2.5 times, addressing the growing requirements for anti-submarine warfare.
• Military Communications: Investments in Thales’ Centre of Excellence in Radiocommunications in France will support a four-fold increase in production of advanced communication solutions by 2030.

Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President of International Development at Thales, emphasized that “Defence readiness starts with industrial readiness. Through our multi-domestic operations in over 20 European countries, Thales is dedicated to enhancing the continent’s capabilities for interoperable and sovereign solutions.”

These developments are backed by a talent acquisition plan, seeking to onboard over 9,000 new employees, largely within Europe. Alongside recent hiring trends, Thales has consistently added around 8,000 staff annually over the last five years to align with business growth.

Thales’ extensive network of partnerships across nations includes involvement in transnational defence programmes such as SAMP/T NG and multiple joint ventures in Italy, Germany, and beyond.

For more information about Thales and its innovations in the defence sector, please visit Thales Group.

Source: Thales Group (2026-07-08 10:00:03)