France-headquartered Thales and Spanish company Indra signed an agreement on defence collaboration on 23 February 2024, with the aim of accelerating the development of cutting-edge European technologies and leveraging synergies to compete in Spain and international markets. The accord was announced in a joint press release on 27 February.
The two technology houses already have a history of collaboration on major technology programmes ranging from the Galileo global navigation satellite system and European Defence Fund projects to work on the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
“Both companies want to take advantage of the business opportunities that are arising both nationally and internationally, especially those related to radar systems, cyber security, communications systems and simulation,” the companies stated. “In the field of cyber defence, both companies will strengthen collaboration in EU-driven programmes such as AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Analysis), as well as other initiatives with European and international customers.
“In the area of communications systems, in which both companies have previously worked together, they will continue to reinforce their collaboration in terms of synergies and technological complementarities,” the press release added.
To promote these actions, a joint Steering Committee will be created to define the strategy, analyse opportunities and set up specific working groups.
The agreement between the two companies is in line with the EU Security and Defence Policy goal of strengthening Europe’s defence-industrial base. The policy is committed to a more open defence market, capable of rationalising investment and getting the most out of every euro spent on research and development and innovation. This is intended to increase capacity, shorten the time it takes to bring innovation to market and to deliver the new systems that European armed forces require.
“Technological changes occur at a non-linear speed, and companies must collaborate and co-create to equip customers with the necessary capabilities in this fast-evolving environment,” Thales Senior Executive Vice-President for International Development Pascale Sourisse was quoted as saying in the Thales press release. “This agreement between Indra and Thales confirms our mutual commitment to combine our complementary strengths in resolute contribution towards a stronger European defence industry.”
Indra CEO José Vicente de los Mozos added, “We are living in a true technological revolution in which advances are happening at breakneck speed. Industrial collaboration is absolutely critical for Europe to maintain its leadership and have a voice in deciding where our future is going. This agreement is about finding synergies, delivering better systems and developing new state-of-the-art technologies.”
