Thales Expands Make in India Radar Manufacturing with SFO Technologies for Rafale

Thales has awarded SFO Technologies a contract to manufacture complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA radar used on the Dassault Aviation Rafale aircraft, marking a significant step in the localisation of advanced defence technologies under India’s Make in India initiative.

The order represents the first time that high-value, technologically advanced wired structures—designed to operate reliably under harsh environmental conditions—will be produced in India for the Rafale programme. These assemblies form a critical part of the RBE2 AESA radar, which is central to the aircraft’s operational performance and situational awareness.

This milestone builds on Thales’ long-standing industrial partnership with SFO Technologies and reflects the company’s broader localisation roadmap for advanced radar systems in India. Following the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, Thales continues to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities in support of the Indian Armed Forces, working closely with local suppliers across the aeronautics and defence ecosystem.

Through this collaboration, SFO Technologies’ scope of expertise is being extended beyond precision machining and assembly to include advanced wiring, electronics, microelectronics, and complex systems integration. The contract reinforces India’s growing role in the production of critical sub-systems for frontline combat aircraft, while supporting national objectives around self-reliance and industrial capability development.

Philippe Knoche, Senior Executive Vice President for Operations and Performance at Thales, highlighted that the partnership reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building indigenous capabilities in India through sustained local collaboration. He noted that SFO Technologies has consistently demonstrated reliability and innovation across multiple programmes.

N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director of SFO Technologies, stated that the company is proud to contribute new technical expertise to India’s defence ecosystem and to participate directly in Rafale equipment production, with quality and delivery performance remaining core priorities.

The contract further strengthens India’s position in high-end defence manufacturing and signals continued momentum in the localisation of complex radar and avionics systems for advanced military platforms.

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