Thales Reports €11.3 Billion in Defense Orders, Cites Romania Radar Deal

French defense technology group Thales reported €11.3 billion in defense orders for the first nine months of 2026, a 14% increase from the same period last year, supported by demand for air defense, naval systems and military electronics across international markets.

In its October 22 trading update, the company identified Romania's acquisition of 12 Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) radars among its major defense contracts. The agreement, signed in July under the European Union's SAFE financing framework, is valued at approximately €247 million, with a total approved program budget of €258 million.

Thales recorded 22 defense orders worth more than €100 million each during the January–September period, including nine in the third quarter. Defense sales reached €9.36 billion, up 13.3% year over year, while group-wide sales increased to €16.42 billion. Despite the nine-month growth, defense orders in the third quarter alone declined by 5% on a reported basis compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Romania's radar procurement is being conducted through cooperation between the Romanian General Directorate for Armaments and France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). The GM200 MM/A is a mobile 4D AESA radar designed to detect and track aerial threats, including low-flying drones, aircraft and missiles, at ranges of up to 350 kilometers. The first delivery is expected in 2027, while Thales has also announced plans to establish a Radar Competence Centre to support Romanian industrial capabilities.

Beyond the Romanian program, Thales highlighted orders connected to European air defense systems, the French Rafale fighter program, naval platforms and military communications equipment. The company said demand remains particularly strong in air surveillance, air defense and naval systems as European countries expand military investment.