Thales Partners with Indian Firm to Localise AESA Radar Production…

Sarah J · 2025-12-24T15:41:00.000Z

In a significant development for India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, French aerospace and defence major Thales has partnered with Indian firm SFO Technologies to localise the production of advanced components for the RBE2 AESA radar used on Rafale fighter jets. This move marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Make in India initiative within high-technology defence supply chains. Under the newly awarded contract, SFO Technologies will manufacture complex wired structures for the RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar, a critical subsystem that enables the Rafale to detect and track multiple aerial targets with exceptional situational awareness. These highly advanced wired assemblies are designed to withstand stringent environmental and operational constraints, reinforcing India’s ability to participate in the production of sophisticated aerospace electronics. The agreement builds on a long-standing collaboration between Thales and SFO Technologies, and reflects a broader commitment by Thales to deepen local engagement and technological capability development in India. This expanded role for an Indian partner is expected to strengthen domestic expertise in precision machining, assemblies, electronics and microelectronics, as well as complex system integration — all critical capabilities for enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing. This localisation effort comes against the backdrop of India’s expanding Rafale fleet, including 26 aircraft ordered for the Indian Navy, and echoes the government’s strategic focus on self-reliance in defence production. By embedding Indian industry more deeply into the global Rafale supply chain, the partnership not only supports operational readiness but also elevates local participation in cutting-edge aerospace technology. #DefenceNews #MakeInIndia #AESA #Rafale #Thales #SFOtechnologies #Aerospace #IndiaDefence #TechManufacturing

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Thales Partners with Indian Firm to Localise AESA Radar Production… | SEINET