Thales Group, a global leader in advanced technologies for aerospace, defense and security, has won three awards in the 2024 Naval Technology Excellence Awards for its outstanding contributions in Research and Development, Diversity, and Social categories.
The Naval Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the defense industry, with a special focus on the Navy. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
Thales Group won the Research and Development (R&D) award for its pioneering drone-based mine countermeasures system, enhancing naval defense capabilities. Thales’s commitment to advancing gender diversity through strategic partnerships earned it the Diversity award. Additionally, its comprehensive Graduate and Apprenticeship programs, focusing on inclusivity and social responsibility, secured the Social award.
Pioneering research and development in naval defense
Thales Group’s excellence in R&D is exemplified by its groundbreaking work in the Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MMCM) program. The company has successfully demonstrated a fully integrated drone-based mine countermeasures system, which leverages cutting-edge autonomous technologies and artificial intelligence. This system enhances mine detection and neutralization capabilities, offering strategic value to the French and UK navies. The MMCM program integrates multiple uncrewed surface and underwater vehicles equipped with high-performance sonars, redefining mine countermeasures operations by ensuring naval personnel remain outside the mine danger area. The system’s ability to detect, classify, locate, identify, and neutralize sophisticated mine threats with precision and reliability is a testament to Thales’s expertise in naval systems engineering, high-performance sonars, and cybersecurity. The successful sea trials, conducted with representatives from the French and UK navies, further consolidate Thales’s global leadership in drone-based mine countermeasures and highlight its role as a reliable innovation partner for naval forces.
Advancing diversity through strategic partnerships
Thales’s commitment to diversity is evident in its partnership with Code First Girls, aimed at integrating women into the tech workforce. This initiative addresses gender disparity in the tech sector by creating clear career pathways for women in technology. By setting aside conventional recruitment barriers and focusing on candidates’ technical aptitude and eagerness to learn, Thales has successfully onboarded a cohort of women into permanent roles. The collaboration with Code First Girls has challenged traditional recruitment norms and marked a tangible step toward fostering an inclusive environment in software development. The CFG Degree program, which develops participants’ software engineering skills, is fundamental in helping businesses retain female tech talent. Thales’s approach serves as a model for how tech companies can attract and retain female talent, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and equitable industry. This initiative not only supports women in tech but also empowers them to become role models for others, reinforcing the perception that tech is a viable career choice for women.
Fostering social responsibility through graduate and apprenticeship programs
Thales Group’s social initiatives are exemplified by its Graduate and Apprenticeship programs, which focus on diversity, inclusion, and safety. These programs provide graduates and apprentices with opportunities to contribute positively to company culture and address social challenges such as gender equality and mental health awareness. The Thales Australia Graduate Program, for instance, encourages participants to develop creative solutions that enhance diversity and inclusion within the organization. Through team projects, graduates tackle issues like gender equality, veterans’ recognition, and mental health awareness, using a Design Thinking approach to create realistic and practical solutions.
The Apprenticeship Program, highlighted during National Apprenticeship Week 2024, offers hands-on learning experiences and skill development opportunities across various levels and regions in the UK. The introduction of T Level placements further reinforces Thales’s commitment to building a skilled workforce by combining academic study with practical experience. These initiatives not only shape the future of technology and innovation, but also demonstrate Thales’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Company Profile
Thales is a provider of smart technologies, electronic systems, software, space, ground transportation, services, and equipment to the aerospace, defense, and security markets. It provides in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems, flight avionics, electric systems, air traffic management solutions, radar and sensors, navigation systems, surveillance systems, microwave and imaging subsystems, telecommunication satellites, military avionics, training and simulation systems, critical information systems, networks and infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, train control systems and rail signaling systems. Thales also offers air traffic management services, simulation and training services, smart cards and digital services, aerospace support and service and cybersecurity services. The company’s business operations span across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East. Thales is headquartered in Paris, Ile-de-France, France.
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