Thales posts strong Q3 growth as European defence and space orders surge
Thales reported robust third-quarter results, driven by a wave of defence contracts and a new satellite-communications programme for the EU.
Thales said its third-quarter performance exceeded expectations, prompting an upgrade of its 2026 growth outlook. The company recorded 19.1 billion euros in orders for the first nine months, a 15 % year-on-year increase, with defence orders up 14 % to 11.3 billion euros and space orders jumping 29 % to 5 billion euros. Key contracts include a DGA award to develop a new Rafale radar and four more SAMP/T NG air-defence units, as well as a deal for Talios optronic pods for export Rafales.
Thales also secured a partnership with Eutelsat to provide payloads for the Iris² secure communications constellation, supported by the European Union. The group highlighted the launch of Hexaforce, a data-analysis tool aimed at European military planners.
Why it matters
The orders signal growing European investment in indigenous defence and satellite capabilities, boosting Thales' market position.
In this story
