Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Thales sales rise as European countries increase defense spending
French defense and aerospace group Thales reported higher sales and orders as European countries increased spending on weapons and satellite communications.
The company said sales in the third quarter rose 9% to €5.5 billion.
Orders received in the first nine months of the year rose 15% to €19.1 billion.
New contracts include radar for France’s Rafale fighter jets, anti-missile systems and satellite equipment for Europe’s Iris2 communications system.
These orders show how rising European defense spending is supporting Thales’s business.
Thales expects 2026 revenue growth near the top of its 6% to 7% forecast range.
It also targets an operating margin of 12.6% to 12.8%.
Thales reported higher third-quarter sales and orders, citing increased European spending on weapons and satellite communications.
Sales rose 9% to 5.5 billion euros in the third quarter.
Orders for the first nine months of 2026 increased 15% to 19.1 billion euros.
New contracts included radar for France’s Rafale fighter jets, anti-missile systems and satellite equipment for Europe’s Iris2 communications system.
Thales said it expects 2026 revenue growth at the upper end of its 6% to 7% forecast range.
- Who
- French aerospace and defense group Thales.
- What
- The company reported stronger sales and orders, supported by increased European defense and satellite communications spending.
- When
- Third-quarter 2026 results; the reports were published on October 22 and 23, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Thales said it benefited from higher European spending on weapons and satellite communication systems.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Thales recorded sales of 5.5 billion euros, up 9%, and received orders including radar and anti-missile systems.
Thales orders rose 15% to 19.1 billion euros.
Reuters published a report on Thales’ sales.
Hürriyet Daily News published a report on Thales’ sales and orders.
- Third-quarter sales
- 5.5 billion euros, up 9%
- Orders, first nine months
- 19.1 billion euros, up 15%
- 2026 revenue growth forecast
- 6% to 7%; Thales targeted the upper end
- Operating margin forecast
- 12.6% to 12.8%
- Notable orders
- Rafale fighter-jet radar, anti-missile systems and Iris2 satellite equipment
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What people are saying
In the third quarter of 2026, Thales once again recorded solid growth in both order intake and revenue.