Thales is having major talks with Indian public sector Bharat Electronics (BEL) to create an international supply chain in the products the two find synergies. “We are working hard with BEL. We are planning to set up a unit to manufacture radars in India,” said Jean-Loic Galle, Senior Vice President, Air Operations Division, Thales.

At Eurosatory, Thales team met up with BEL counterparts to discuss the various possibilities of setting up the radar manufacturing plant and other cooperation.

Speaking to SP Guide Publications on the sidelines of a press conference, Jean-Loic Galle said Thales was awaiting the decision of the Indian authorities on the LR SAM (long range surface to air missile) and the SR SAM (short range surface to air missile). “There are more than five players and there will be a down-select soon. On SR SAM, we have the perfect answer for Indian requirements. However, you know the rules in India that the bid will go to L1, the lowest bid, nevertheless we will be fully compliant.”

Earlier, making a presentation, Jean-Loic Galle announced the launch of a comprehensive package of ‘advanced air defence’ from Thales and Thales Raytheon Systems that includes: consultancy on concept of operations (Conops) to national defence capability enhancement; system of systems design and integration; and through-life support and enhancement, globally. The package is defined as air and missile defence solutions – Shield; command and control systems – Skyview; air surveillance radars – Ground; weapon coordination – Control; mobile integrated weapon systems – Rapid and missiles – Star.

Thales, he stated, is the only company in Europe with the full range of air defence capabilities from sensors through to effectors. It provides full ‘plug and fight’ interoperability with existing air defence assets. These capabilities have seen NATO deployment.

At Eurosatory, Thales launched among other things RapidFire, a new mobile gun or gun/missile system to provide protection against air and ground threats.