French President visits Thales Australia

Thales Australia today welcomed the President of France, François Hollande, to its facility at Rydalmere in NSW as part of a state visit.

Accompanied by Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston, President Hollande viewed the company’s world-leading underwater systems and sonar capabilities, now firmly established in Australia after 30 years of Thales and French Government transfer of technology, expertise and investment.

“Thales Australia was honoured to host President Hollande at our Rydalmere facility, a global centre of excellence for these technologies,” said Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins.

During the visit, the President and other VIPs including French Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier, Thales Executive Vice President Pierre Eric Pommellet and CEO of submarine manufacturer DCNS Herve Guillou, focused on Thales Australia’s manufacture of Scylla submarine sonars for Australia’s Collins Class submarines, including the latest Flank Array upgrades and integration capabilities for SEA 1000 Future Submarine systems.

“Thales today demonstrated to these important guests our comprehensive in-country capabilities that enable the upgrade of critical strategic systems and integration to technologies of Australia's partner nations such as the United States,” Chris Jenkins added.

President Hollande’s visit follows the G20 Leaders' Summit held on 15-16 November in Brisbane.

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion (AUD 20 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD 1 billion in 2013.