Airframer news
17/12/2025
An agreement with SFO Technologies supports domestic production of complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA radar fitted to Rafale aircraft operated by India’s armed forces.
Thales, working with SFO Technologies, has secured a contract covering the production of complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA radar fitted to the Indian Rafale. The work supports India’s strategy for defence manufacturing self-reliance while deepening the long-standing industrial relationship between the two companies.
The order represents a milestone in Thales’ Make in India programme focused on localising advanced radar systems. It is expected to enhance local manufacturing capability for critical Rafale sub-systems delivered to the Indian Armed Forces, drawing on SFO Technologies’ experience across multiple major programmes.
Following India’s order for 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, Thales continues to progress its localisation roadmap as part of the Dassault Aviation Rafale team. The partnership engages with India’s wider aeronautics and defence ecosystem and covers activities ranging from precision machining and assembly and wiring to electronics, microelectronics and complex system integration.
“This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative,” says Philippe Knoche, SEVP Operations and Performance at Thales. “Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. SFO Technologies has demonstrated exceptional innovation and reliability in every project we undertake together. We are delighted to continue reinforcing our partnership, setting new benchmarks for quality and operational excellence in support of India’s self-reliance ambitions.”
“We are honoured of Thales’ continued trust in SFO Technologies, and proud to contribute towards deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem, while actively taking part in the equipment production for the Rafale India,” adds N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director at SFO Technologies. “Quality and punctuality will be our priorities to satisfy our customers, as usual.”