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French defence company Thales has placed an order with Bengaluru-based SFO Technologies to manufacture specialised wiring assemblies for the RBE2 AESA radar installed on the Rafale fighter aircraft operated by India.
The contract covers the production of intricate wired structures that form part of the radar’s internal architecture. These assemblies are required to function reliably under demanding temperature, vibration and electromagnetic conditions associated with fighter aircraft operations. It is the first time such radar-related wiring systems for the Rafale programme will be produced in India.
What the agreement changes
Until now, Indian participation in Rafale-linked manufacturing has largely involved mechanical parts and conventional sub-assemblies. The current order moves a portion of the work into more specialised areas that require tighter tolerances, system-level understanding and compliance with aerospace-grade standards.
Thales said the decision aligns with its long-term approach of building industrial capability in India rather than limiting engagement to final assembly or offset-driven work.
Philippe Knoche, Senior Executive Vice President for Operations and Performance at Thales, said the company’s partnerships in India have been built over several decades and are intended to create sustainable local expertise. He added that SFO Technologies has consistently met technical and quality expectations across multiple programmes, which formed the basis for expanding its role in the Rafale supply chain.
The contract also follows India’s decision to induct 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy, a development expected to increase sustainment and production-related activities for the platform over the coming years.
Role of SFO Technologies
SFO Technologies has worked with Thales on several aerospace and defence programmes and views the new order as an opportunity to deepen its involvement in airborne electronic systems. N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director of SFO Technologies, said the company considers the assignment a responsibility that goes beyond manufacturing volume. According to him, the emphasis will remain on maintaining quality standards and meeting delivery timelines required for sensitive radar equipment used on frontline combat aircraft.
He noted that the programme allows Indian engineers and technicians to gain exposure to specialised manufacturing processes associated with advanced fighter aircraft sensors.
Broader context
The production of wiring systems for an AESA radar involves stringent qualification, traceability and inspection requirements. Executing this work in India adds to domestic familiarity with complex aerospace electronics and integrated defence systems.
From an industry perspective, the agreement reflects a gradual shift toward embedding Indian firms more deeply into global defence production networks. Rather than altering the operational configuration of the Rafale platform, the approach focuses on developing local manufacturing depth while retaining overall system integrity and performance standards.
Team BharatShakti
