Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a Thales Group division developing radar, microwave, and imaging subsystems for defence and aerospace platforms. It supplies 70+ armed forces, governments, civil aviation authorities, and space agencies across 65 countries.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersVélizy-villacoublay, France
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems does
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a division of Thales Group, the publicly listed French aerospace and defence electronics conglomerate (Euronext Paris: TCF) headquartered in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France. The division develops advanced radar, microwave, and imaging subsystems used in ground-based air defence, naval platforms, satellite payloads, microwave amplifiers, and weapons-system integration. Its primary customers are national defence ministries, armed forces, civil aviation authorities, space agencies, and critical infrastructure operators across 65 countries. Within Thales Group, the unit sits alongside complementary lines such as air traffic management (where Thales is the global #1, managing over 40% of world aerospace), sonar (world #1), avionics (#3 worldwide, #1 in Europe), and cybersecurity (Top 5 globally with 6,000+ experts).
The product portfolio spans the Ground Fire Radar family, X-Fire precision strike launcher, SpinFire mortar range, the 4 TROOP tactical vehicle (with Renault), Spacebus B2 and Spacebus NEO satellite platforms, the Space Inspire fully flexible telecom satellite, Galileo GNSS payloads, TopStar Galileo core modules, LEO PNT positioning payloads, the HE-R 1000 Earth observation satellite, and the ALL-IN-ONE high-revisit Earth observation solution. Underlying technology rests on 110 technology domains spanning advanced electronics, optics and lasers, quantum, AI (via the proprietary CortAIx platform), simulation, and biometrics, supported by 22,000 patents, ~400 new filings annually, and 33,500 R&D professionals including 800 AI-dedicated experts.
Revenue is generated through multi-year negotiated contracts with governments and large enterprises, executed via direct enterprise field sales organised by sector (Defence, Civil Aviation, Space, Public Security, Cybersecurity, Enterprise) and geography. Pricing is quote-based with no public tiers, blending hardware/system sales (radar, weapons, avionics, satellite platforms) with multi-year services (e.g., a 10-year Air India FlytCARE IFE maintenance deal) and recurring cyber subscriptions. Thales Group reported FY2024 revenue of €22.1 billion and ~85,000 employees globally; Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems' standalone revenue, headcount, and segment margin are not separately disclosed.
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems
- Legal name
- Thales
- Website
- https://thalesgroup.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a Thales Group division developing radar, microwave, and imaging subsystems for defence and aerospace platforms. It supplies 70+ armed forces, governments, civil aviation authorities, and space agencies across 65 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defence and Aerospace Electronics
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- IFF/Identification, Beaconing & Cooperative Surveillance Systems (IMABAGAF), Satellite, GNSS & Positioning RF ICs (HDAHAMAJ)
Keywords
Where Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vélizy-villacoublay
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices8 records
Markets served
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Defence Solutions: Thales provides advanced defence technologies and solutions across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. Revenue is generated through system sales, services, and long-term support contracts with government defence clients worldwide.
- Aerospace Systems and Services: Civil aviation solutions including air traffic management, avionics, training and simulation, aircraft connectivity and in-flight services. Revenue generated from system delivery and ongoing maintenance/support.
- Cybersecurity Products and Services: Cybersecurity solutions protecting applications, data and identities. With more than 6,000 cybersecurity experts, services include compliance, threat detection, and defence strengthening.
- Space Systems: End-to-end solutions for telecommunications, Earth observation, space exploration and navigation through Thales Alenia Space joint venture, plus high-tech space offerings including microwave amplifiers, modems, terminals, and radars.
- Enterprise Digital Security: Identity verification, transaction facilitation, access control and trusted connectivity for enterprises. Includes payment card solutions, IoT connectivity, and software licensing platforms.
- Public Security Solutions: Solutions for securing states, cities, critical infrastructures, financial systems and sensitive data. Includes civil identity programs, biometric solutions, and security systems.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Enterprise and Government Contracts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a division of Thales Group that develops advanced microwave, radar, and imaging sub-systems for defence, aerospace, space, and security applications. The parent group designs and manufactures integrated technology systems spanning defence, civil aviation, space, cybersecurity, and digital identity.
Product overview
Thales Group operates as a diversified technology conglomerate organized into distinct business segments: Defence (naval, land, air, space, cyber, joint operations including Ground Fire radar, X-Fire launcher, SpinFire mortar systems, 4 TROOP vehicle), Civil Aviation (air traffic management, avionics, FlytEDGE/FlytCARE IFE solutions), Space (satellite systems through Thales Alenia Space including Spacebus B2/NEO, Space Inspire, Galileo GNSS, TopStar Galileo, LEO PNT, HE-R 1000, ALL-IN-ONE), Public Security (Smart Digital Platform, Civil Identity Suite, CBRN Suite), Enterprise (card issuing, IoT connectivity), and Cybersecurity (CipherTrust, OneWelcome Identity, Workforce Identity). The company employs 85,000+ people in 65 countries with €22.1 billion revenues. Advanced Technologies division provides enabling platforms like CortAIx across all product lines.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Defence Solutions Comprehensive defence solutions across naval, land, air, space, and cyber domains including radar systems, weapons, electronic warfare, connectivity, and collaborative combat platforms for governments and armed forces.
- Ground Fire Radar Ground-based radar system for air and missile defence operations, used for force readiness by defence operators.
- X-Fire Launcher Precision strike launcher compatible with Hanwha Chunmoo guided missiles for long-range precision strike capabilities.
- SpinFire Mortar Range Mortar systems integrated on tactical vehicles for land forces, developed in partnership with Arquus.
- 4 TROOP Tactical Vehicle Innovative tactical vehicle for future land forces engagements developed with Renault Group.
- Civil Aviation Solutions Air traffic management, avionics, in-flight entertainment, and aerospace connectivity solutions for airlines, airports, and airframers. Ranked #1 worldwide in air traffic management and #3 worldwide in avionics.
- FlytEDGE In-flight entertainment system for commercial aircraft with seat-end capabilities.
- FlytCARE In-flight entertainment maintenance service offered under long-term agreements for airline customers, including a 10-year agreement with Air India.
- Space Solutions End-to-end satellite solutions for telecommunications, Earth observation, space exploration, and navigation through Thales Alenia Space.
- Spacebus B2 Satellite platform offering the fastest delivery to orbit for connectivity applications.
- Spacebus NEO Highest-capacity satellite platform in the Spacebus family.
- Space Inspire Fully flexible telecom satellite with configurable transponders.
- Galileo GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System with 4 billion users relying on Galileo. Thales is a key contributor across generations of the system.
- TopStar Galileo Core modules delivering sovereignty and resilience to GNSS receivers.
- LEO PNT Low Earth Orbit positioning, navigation, and timing solution as a complement to navigation satellite systems for IoT and connectivity.
- HE-R 1000 High Efficiency Radar Satellite - the most agile radar satellite for surveillance and Earth observation.
- ALL-IN-ONE High-revisit Earth observation satellite solution.
- Public Security Solutions Security solutions for states, cities, critical infrastructures including national security, smart cities, civil identity, and major events.
- Smart Digital Platform Data processing and cross-referencing platform that adds value to data from multiple sources for more informed security decisions.
- Civil Identity Suite Identity and biometrics solutions protecting citizens' identities against fraud, streamlining border controls, and facilitating investigations.
- CBRN Suite Solutions Security force equipment for CBRN threats including nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical, and explosive detection and protection.
- Enterprise Solutions Industry-specific digital solutions for financial services, mobile communications, healthcare, automotive, and IoT connectivity serving 30,000+ organizations.
- Card Issuing Solutions Modern payment card solutions for banks and financial institutions enabling innovative payment experiences.
- IoT Connectivity Solutions Secure IoT connectivity solutions connecting billions of individuals and hundreds of millions of devices.
- Cybersecurity Solutions Cybersecurity portfolio protecting applications, data, and identities with 6,000+ experts and 8 Security Operation Centres worldwide.
- CipherTrust Data Security Platform Data security platform with BYOK encryption and quantum-safe encryption readiness for protecting sensitive data.
- OneWelcome Identity Platform B2C and B2B identity and access management platform for secure, seamless customer access.
- Workforce Identity Workforce identity management for secure access to cloud and on-premises applications across remote, hybrid, and in-office environments.
- CortAIx Thales AI platform for advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities across product lines.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 40% of the world's aerospace managed by Thales air traffic control centres
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability12 records
Feature11 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and major.
- Aura AerostrategicPartnership to enhance sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for aviation applications.
- Italian and French GovernmentscoreThales Alenia Space welcomed prestigious delegation of Italian and French Ministers to its headquarters, reflecting government support for space programs.
- DCIstrategicJoint forces to revolutionise operational command capabilities for defence forces.
- Robert GecklecoreAppointment of Robert Geckle as CEO of Thales USA and North America, representing leadership for North American operations.
- HanwhamajorMemorandum of Understanding signed to ensure compatibility of Hanwha Chunmoo guided missiles with Thales X-Fire launcher for long-range precision strike capabilities.
- ArquusmajorMemorandum of Understanding to integrate Thales SpinFire mortar range on Arquus tactical vehicles, combining Thales weapons expertise with Arquus vehicle platforms.
- MeskomajorMemorandum of Understanding to strengthen industrial cooperation on 70mm rocket systems in Poland, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
- Renault GroupcoreStrategic partnership to develop a sovereign drone industry in France. Collaboration on innovative tactical vehicle development including the 4 TROOP vehicle unveiled at Eurosatory 2026.
- Software RépubliquestrategicJoint unveiling of cleveR insights, a new approach to territorial intelligence serving public action.
- Renault GroupcoreJoint unveiling of 4 TROOP, an innovative tactical vehicle for future land forces engagements at Eurosatory 2026 defence exhibition.
- BooTechstrategicIndustrial partnership to advance regional security through technology collaboration.
- ENACstrategicPartnership with French national civil aviation school to shape the air traffic management of the future through research and innovation.
- Air Indiamajor10-year FlytCARE agreement for IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) maintenance, providing comprehensive support for Thales entertainment systems on Air India aircraft.
- AmeliastrategicSuccessful large-scale deployment of contrail-avoidance project, demonstrating environmental sustainability in aviation operations.
- Software RépubliquestrategicSoftware République ecosystem collaboration on technology solutions including vision 4rescue for next-generation emergency services.
- Hassan Allam ConstructionstrategicCooperation agreement developing Smart Digital Platform business in Egypt and the region for public security applications.
- Netherlands Ministry of DefencecoreStrategic partnership to expand radar production and test capacity at Thales Hengelo facility to meet growing demand in the Netherlands and across Europe. Thales will increase its radar manufacturing and testing capabilities under this agreement.
- Google CloudmajorS3NS partnership with Google Cloud to deliver sovereign cloud solutions and secure cloud offerings with data sovereignty protections.
- ImpervacoreAPI Security partnership providing Imperva API Security within Thales cybersecurity portfolio, detecting deprecated, unauthenticated and BOLA-prone APIs.
- OneWelcomecoreIdentity platform for B2C and B2B customer identity and access management within Thales IAM offerings.
- TelespaziocoreSpace Alliance partnership providing wide range of space solutions and services through joint venture structure combining Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio capabilities.
Scale indicators29 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- BAE Systems: Major UK-headquartered defence prime with broad portfolio across air, land, sea, and cyber. Competes with Thales in radar, electronic warfare, avionics, and integrated mission systems; broader and more diversified but with overlapping capabilities.
- Northrop Grumman: US defence prime with strengths in radar (e.g., AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR), electronic warfare, space, and missile defence. Competes with Thales in ground-based radar, air defence integration, and space-based sensing.
- Airbus Defence and Space: European prime competing with Thales in military aircraft, satellites, space systems, and integrated defence solutions. Direct overlap on space platforms, satellite payloads, and military communications.
- Lockheed Martin: Largest US defence prime, competing across radar, missile systems, sensors, and integrated mission solutions. Overlaps with Thales in advanced air defence, missile launcher integration (e.g., MLRS-family equivalents to X-Fire), and space sensors.
- RTX (Raytheon): US defence conglomerate encompassing Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney. Directly competes with Thales in missile systems, radar, avionics (Collins vs Thales), and air traffic management adjacent areas.
Direct peers
- Saab: Swedish defence and aerospace group with leading positions in radar (e.g., Giraffe, GlobalEye AEW&C), electronic warfare, and air traffic management. Closely comparable to Thales in sensor sub-systems and sovereign defence electronics.
- Indra: Spanish IT and defence electronics company with a meaningful portfolio in radar, electronic defence, air traffic management, and command/control. Comparable to Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems in European radar and ATM segments.
- Hensoldt: European specialist in sensor solutions for defence and security, including radar, IFF, electronic warfare, and avionics. Direct comparable to Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems in radar and sensor sub-systems, with overlapping customer base across European armed forces.
- Leonardo: Italian aerospace, defence, and security group with strong positions in radar (e.g., Grifo), sensors, electronic warfare, and space. Closely comparable to Thales' defence electronics and microwave sub-systems franchises, serving similar European and export customers.
Emerging players
- Rheinmetall: German defence group traditionally focused on vehicles and weapons, expanding into sensors, electronic warfare, and air defence. Increasingly relevant peer as it competes with Thales in integrated land defence systems and partners with Thales on platforms like SpinFire mortar integration.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems
What does Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems do?
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a division of Thales Group that develops advanced microwave, radar, and imaging sub-systems for defence, aerospace, space, and security applications. The parent group designs and manufactures integrated technology systems spanning defence, civil aviation, space, cybersecurity, and digital identity.
Is Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems a public or private company?
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems founded?
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems was founded in 2000. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems based?
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems is headquartered in Vélizy-villacoublay, France, in the Europe region.
How does Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Defence Solutions are the primary driver. The others are aerospace Systems and Services, cybersecurity Products and Services, space Systems, enterprise Digital Security and public Security Solutions.
Who are Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Airbus Defence and Space, Lockheed Martin and RTX (Raytheon). Direct peers are Saab, Indra, Hensoldt and Leonardo. Rheinmetall is listed as an emerging player.
Does Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems.
What industry is Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems in?
Thales Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems's product category is Defence and Aerospace Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAGAA, Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval), with a secondary code of IMABAGAF, IFF/Identification, Beaconing & Cooperative Surveillance Systems. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.