Safran and Thomas Global announce Strategic Alliance
Safran Electronics & Defense (Safran) and Thomas Global Systems (Thomas Global) today announced a ground-breaking strategic alliance to manufacture and support high-end defence and related technologies in Australia.
As part of the alliance, Thomas Global plans to create a specialist advanced manufacturing facility in Australia, which will provide production and long-term support for a range of Safran technologies, including Safran’s advanced PASEO sighting system.
The two companies will also work together to maximize opportunities for Australian industry to participate in new defence and high-technology programs for local and export markets.
“The creation of this alliance is a huge vote of confidence in the capability of Australian industry to deliver world-class defence and aerospace technology,” Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global said.
He added: “We are proud to have been selected by Safran, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies with leading technologies across optronics, avionics, electronics and mission critical software for civil and military markets.”
“Our alliance with Safran will bring some of the most advanced defence manufacturing to Australia and will mean the entire PASEO family for land applications and potential maritime applications can be built in Australia, the only production location outside France,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Safran is pleased to form this strategic alliance with Thomas Global and through this partnership, we will transfer mature, cutting-edge capabilities and technology to Australia,” Alexis de Pelleport, CEO of Safran Pacific said.
“This establishes a platform for Australian industry to compete for significant local and export contracts,” Mr de Pelleport said.
“There is tremendous potential in this new alliance to increase employment, skills, and technology and export opportunities for the Australian defence industry. In fact, Safran is well known for dedication to innovative technology development and almost 11 per cent of all sales is invested in R&D involving 21 per cent of all employees,” he said.
“The future of the Australian defence industry is in high technology and exports.
This alliance will focus on both these points to maximise the creation of skilled jobs in this country,” Mr de Pelleport said.
