French defence and aerospace company Thales has awarded a manufacturing contract to Kochi-based SFO Technologies for wired structures used in the RBE2 AESA radar fitted on Rafale fighter aircraft.
The order, announced on December 16, follows the Indian Navy’s purchase of 26 Rafale jets and forms part of Thales’ localisation plans under the Make in India programme. The contract involves the production of complex wired structures designed to operate under harsh environmental conditions. These components will be manufactured in India for use in the Rafale programme led by Dassault Aviation, of which Thales is a key partner.
Thales operates globally across defence, aerospace and digital technologies and has had a presence in India since 1953. SFO Technologies is a Kochi-based high-tech manufacturing and engineering services company with operations across multiple sectors, including defence, aerospace, healthcare and transportation. The company operates 22 factories globally and employs over 8,000 people.
This is the first time such high-value and technologically complex wired structures for the RBE2 radar are being produced in India. The components are part of the radar’s internal architecture and play a role in connecting and supporting its electronic systems.
While not visible to the end user, these structures are critical to radar performance and reliability. Their localisation suggests a gradual shift of advanced defence manufacturing processes to Indian facilities, moving beyond basic assembly work.
Thales said the order builds on its long-standing partnership with SFO Technologies and aligns with its broader localisation roadmap in India. SFO Technologies, a NeST Group company headquartered in Kochi, has worked with Thales across several programmes over the years.
India has been pushing for higher levels of localisation in defence procurement, especially for complex systems. Radar technology is considered a sensitive and strategic area, and local manufacturing of its components is often seen as a step towards reducing long-term dependence on imports.
While the current order focuses on wired structures rather than the radar itself, it may signal a gradual transfer of more sophisticated manufacturing processes to Indian partners.