Thales Defense & Security
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a U.S.-based, proxy-regulated Thales subsidiary that designs and manufactures tactical radios, satellite communications, sonar, helmet-mounted displays, electronic warfare systems, and data security solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and allied forces.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersClarksburg, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Thales Defense & Security does
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of the French Thales Group, operating since 1964 as a proxy-regulated company free of foreign ownership, control, and influence (FOCI). Headquartered in Clarksburg, Maryland, with 1,001-5,000 employees and additional manufacturing and engineering sites in Germantown (DRT signals intelligence), St. Petersburg (Tampa Microwave SATCOM), Clearwater, Abingdon, Aurora, Billerica, and other U.S. locations, TDSI designs and manufactures mission-critical defense hardware and supporting solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and select allied and commercial markets.
The company's product portfolio spans tactical radio communications (AN/PRC-148 MBITR/IMBITR family with JTRS SCA-certified software-defined radio architecture, plus the LOCODA Radio Adaptable Transport for mounted vehicles), satellite communications (MissionLINK, VesseLINK, WaveLINK, and Tampa Microwave man-portable terminals leveraging Iridium Certus), naval and undersea warfare systems (CAPTAS variable-depth sonar family, ANGLER mine neutralization ROV/UUV, Mission in a Box C2/C3 node, and the Advanced Acoustic Concepts sonar and torpedo defense portfolio), avionics (Scorpion full-color helmet-mounted cueing system and WASP HMD), electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGNET solutions and the Digital Receiver Technology product line with 4,300+ global deployments), optronics (laser warning, threat warning, and target designators), and data security (Thales e-Security Federal encryption, key management, and Microsoft Azure Stack-based defense cloud).
TDSI makes money primarily through direct sales of hardware and integrated systems to U.S. federal customers via GSA Schedule GS-35F-0001L and direct program-of-record procurements, supplemented by training, repair, and sustainment services, plus a channel-partner model for SATCOM products through six certified resellers globally. Marquee customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and the U.S. Intelligence Community, alongside coalition and allied forces. Notable contract vehicles include a $37M Army Security Force Assistance Brigades radio award, a 5,000-unit LOCODA order, and HF communications "Gold Standard" selection for U.S. Coast Guard cutter programs.
Thales Defense & Security firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Thales Defense & Security
- Legal name
- Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
- Website
- https://thalesdsi.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a U.S.-based, proxy-regulated Thales subsidiary that designs and manufactures tactical radios, satellite communications, sonar, helmet-mounted displays, electronic warfare systems, and data security solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and allied forces.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Thales Defense & Security industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Electronics
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Electronic Warfare (EW) & SIGINT/ELINT Systems (IMABAGAB), C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE), Secure Communications, Cryptography & Key Management Systems (IMABAOAK)
Keywords
Where Thales Defense & Security is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Clarksburg
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices10 records
Markets served
Thales Defense & Security business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Defense Hardware Sales: Sale of tactical radios, sonar systems, electronic warfare equipment, helmet-mounted displays, SATCOM terminals, and related defense systems to U.S. and allied military forces through government contracts.
- Government Defense Contracts: Revenue from U.S. Department of Defense program of record awards, GSA Schedule contracts, and direct military procurement including Security Force Assistance Brigades ($37M contract) and LOCODA program orders.
- Training and Support Services: Comprehensive equipment training, maintenance training, and field service support for military customers conducted at company facilities and customer locations worldwide.
- Repair and Sustainment Services: Equipment repair services including RMA process for radio transceivers, vehicle adapters, and Modular Universal Battery Chargers with warranty and out-of-warranty repair pricing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Standard Terms and Conditions for Quotation and Sale |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | International Sale Terms |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Thales Defense & Security product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. manufactures and sells mission-critical defense electronics and systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military forces. Its portfolio spans tactical software-defined radios, anti-submarine warfare sonar systems, helmet-mounted cueing displays, electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems, satellite communications terminals, and tactical data security solutions. The company operates as a wholly-owned, proxy-regulated U.S. subsidiary (FOCI-exempt) and is qualified to work across the full spectrum of classified U.S. government defense programs.
Product overview
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) is a U.S.-based defense contractor offering a diversified portfolio of mission-critical solutions across multiple domains. The company's product portfolio centers on tactical radio communications (AN/PRC-148 family including MBITR, IMBITR, and PRC6809V variants), satellite communications terminals (MissionLINK, VesseLINK, WaveLINK, Tampa Microwave terminals), naval/maritime systems (CAPTAS sonar, ANGLER mine neutralization, Mission in a Box C3, Advanced Acoustic Concepts), avionics (Scorpion and WASP helmet-mounted displays), electronic warfare (SIGNET solutions, Digital Receiver Technology), optronics/sensors (Sensors & Missile Systems), and data security (Thales e-Security Federal). Products are built on open architecture principles using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, with extensive integration with third-party services like Iridium Certus satellite communications and TrellisWare networking waveforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LINK by Thales: Mobile satellite communications solutions for land-mobile and maritime markets, including MissionLINK and VesseLINK products powered by Iridium Certus
- Digital Receiver Technology (DRT)
- Tampa Microwave
- Visionix
- Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC)
Products and services
- CAPTAS (Combined Active and Passive Towed Array Sonar)
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 800,000 tactical radios deployed worldwide serving defense, allied, and coalition forces
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Thales Defense & Security
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Thales Defense & Security technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature7 records
Thales Defense & Security partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, former jv partner, major and core.
- CNN MCOsupportingThales leads French consortium with CNN MCO and CS GROUP delivering resilient navigation upgrades for French Navy's amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral. Part of eight-year fleet support contract with over 50 completed upgrades.
- CS GROUPsupportingThales leads French consortium with CNN MCO and CS GROUP delivering resilient navigation upgrades for French Navy's amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral. Modernization of multiple vessels with inertial navigation systems for electronic warfare resilience.
- North InventsupportingCollaboration on WaveLINK GMDSS solution powered by Iridium Certus for maritime safety communications. Product developed and announced at Europort 2025 with global rollout planned.
- Leonardo DRSformer jv partnerLeonardo DRS transferred full ownership of Advanced Acoustic Concepts joint venture to Thales Defense & Security Inc. Acquisition completed to strengthen TDSI's presence in US defense market, especially undersea warfare and sonar systems. Deal was part of Leonardo's strategy to refocus on core businesses.
- MicrosoftmajorPreferred partnership for development of a common Defense Cloud solution for armed forces based on Microsoft Azure Stack platform. Thales integrates connectivity and end-to-end cybersecurity and encryption solutions. Enables armed forces to keep sensitive data in their own infrastructures.
- MVS USAsupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK SATCOM solutions. Women-owned satellite communications business with global reach via secure worldwide Flexx data network serving maritime, land, government and commercial markets.
- MetOcean TelematicssupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK. Developer of state-of-the-art data acquisition and end-to-end telematics solutions with focus on niche MetOcean and custom Defense and Security products.
- Network InnovationssupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK. Satellite communication integrator focused on provision and support of solutions enabling customers to communicate anywhere on the planet.
- Pivotel GroupsupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK. Australian licensed mobile telecommunications company providing satellite, cellular, voice and data services with maritime market expansion plans.
- SpaceNet MexicosupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK. Privately owned Mexican company providing satellite services in Mexico and the continent using Iridium network. Iridium joint venture partner in Mexico.
- Globalsat GroupsupportingCertified reseller for MissionLINK and VesseLINK. First Pan-American Mobile Satellite Service consortium with offices in US, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Mexico.
- TrellisWare TechnologiescoreAN/PRC-148C IMBITR embeds TrellisWare TSM waveform for mobile ad hoc networking capability. First dual-channel handheld radio with this waveform integration providing world-class networking performance.
- Iridium CommunicationscoreThales is exclusive provider of satcom terminal products for Iridium NEXT's voice and broadband data services (Iridium Certus). Thales provides MissionLINK and VesseLINK terminals accessing Iridium's 66-satellite constellation with 100% global coverage.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Thales Defense & Security competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a direct peer in tactical radio communications (Falcon series competes with AN/PRC-148), electronic warfare, and avionics, with similar U.S. DoD and allied force customer base and overlapping product portfolio.
- Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is a direct peer in tactical radios (PNR-1000 family), helmet-mounted displays (JHMCS competitor to Scorpion), EW, and SATCOM solutions, competing with TDSI across both U.S. and international defense markets.
- Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS is a direct peer across multiple defense electronics categories and was the former joint-venture partner in Advanced Acoustic Concepts, making it one of the most comparable U.S. defense electronics competitors.
- General Dynamics Mission Systems: General Dynamics Mission Systems is a direct peer in tactical communications (AN/PRC-155, AN/PRC-162), naval combat systems, and EW for U.S. DoD, with substantial overlap on Army tactical radio and Navy programs of record.
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael competes directly with TDSI's tactical communications, EW/SIGINT, and helmet-mounted cueing system products, and frequently partners or competes with Thales on international missile and sensor programs.
- Rohde & Schwarz: Rohde & Schwarz is a direct peer in tactical software-defined radios (SOVERON family) and secure military communications, competing in both U.S. and international markets against the AN/PRC-148 family.
- Ultra Electronics: Ultra Electronics is a direct peer in defense communications, sonar systems, and naval EW — closely aligned with TDSI's undersea warfare and tactical communications franchises post-Curtiss-Wright acquisition.
- Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions: Curtiss-Wright is a direct peer in defense electronics and naval combat systems, with overlapping positions in sonar, tactical communications, and ruggedized computing for U.S. and allied militaries.
Broad incumbents
- BAE Systems Electronic Systems: BAE Systems is a broad incumbent in defense electronics with overlapping products in EW, communications, and sensors, serving the same U.S. DoD customer base as TDSI but with a much wider platform portfolio.
- Saab Defence: Saab is a broad incumbent in defense electronics, EW, naval combat systems, and tactical communications, competing with TDSI particularly on European and allied-nation programs while operating a similar diversified defense model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Thales Defense & Security social profiles
Digital presenceThales Defense & Security compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Thales Defense & Security financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Thales Defense & Security leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Thales Defense & Security subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
Thales Defense & Security funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Thales Defense & Security M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Thales Defense & Security
What does Thales Defense & Security do?
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. manufactures and sells mission-critical defense electronics and systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military forces. Its portfolio spans tactical software-defined radios, anti-submarine warfare sonar systems, helmet-mounted cueing displays, electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems, satellite communications terminals, and tactical data security solutions. The company operates as a wholly-owned, proxy-regulated U.S. subsidiary (FOCI-exempt) and is qualified to work across the full spectrum of classified U.S. government defense programs.
Is Thales Defense & Security a public or private company?
Thales Defense & Security is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Thales Defense & Security founded?
Thales Defense & Security was founded in 1964. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Thales Defense & Security based?
Thales Defense & Security is headquartered in Clarksburg, United States, in the North America region.
How does Thales Defense & Security make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Defense Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are government Defense Contracts, training and Support Services and repair and Sustainment Services.
Who are Thales Defense & Security's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are L3Harris Technologies, Elbit Systems, Leonardo DRS, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Rohde & Schwarz, Ultra Electronics and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. Broad incumbents are BAE Systems Electronic Systems and Saab Defence.
Does Thales Defense & Security have an API?
No public API is recorded for Thales Defense & Security.
What industry is Thales Defense & Security in?
Thales Defense & Security's product category is Defense Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAG, Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto), with a secondary code of IMABAGAB, Electronic Warfare (EW) & SIGINT/ELINT Systems. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.