Article Posted on : - Feb 13, 2023

NEW DELHI (PTI):  French defence major Thales said it will showcase at Aero India a plethora of its futuristic platforms and equipment, including radars, drones, short range air defence systems and anti-submarine warfare devices.

The 14th edition of Aero India, known as Asia's largest aerospace exhibition, will be held in Bengaluru from February 13 to 17.

Almost all leading aerospace companies around the world are expected to attend the event at Yelahanka Air Force Station in a total area of around 35,000 sq metres.

Thales said its exhibits will include SYNAPS A, the new member of the software-defined radio family designed to support battlespace digitisation, as well as an equipment called Identification Friend or Foe (IFF).

SYNAPS is built around technologies compliant with the NATO standards.

In support of the Indian Navy, Thales will showcase Sonoflash, a new generation of sonobuoy that strengthens anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the company said.

Thales said it will also present its portfolio of solutions including drones such as Spyranger, counter-UAV solutions that detects, classifies and neutralises micro and mini-drones to protect people, secure critical infrastructure and events.

"At Aero India 2023, Thales will exhibit its air defence capacities from sensors to effectors. As a systems integrator, the group will showcase its full range of radars as well as leading very short range air defence systems including Laser Beam Riding MANPAD, among others," it said.

Thales said it will also showcase the best of its "airborne optronics capability: the 2-in-1 targeting and reconnaissance pod TALIOS (Targeting Long-range Identification Optronic System)" that delivers unmatched image quality.

"Under the navigations segment, the TopAxyz inertial navigation system for air, naval and land transport will be featured. Thales covers the entire spectrum of maritime security and naval combat, from the open ocean to the shorelines," it said.

Thales said the Group is positioned across the entire value chain for electronic equipment like radars, sonars, electronic warfare devices and command and combat systems.

"Thales has also been actively contributing to India's aviation sector with its services and solutions for airlines, Airports Authority of India, among others," it said in a statement.

"Another striking feature will be the presentation of our earth observation space capabilities," it said.

Ashish Saraf, the Vice President and Country Director (India) of Thales, said the company is committed and mobilised to continue supporting the modernisation of the Indian armed forces.

"As we celebrate 70 years in India, Thales is eager to pursue its long-standing commitment to partner with India in its big ambitions including the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision," he said.

"We are fully committed and mobilised to continue supporting the modernisation and indigenisation efforts that are underway in the Indian aerospace and defence sector," Saraf said.