French defense major Thales has selected Indian firm SFO Technologies to manufacture complex wiring assemblies for the RBE2 AESA radar used on the Rafale multirole combat aircraft in service with the Indian Armed Forces. The RBE2 radar, developed by Thales, is a core sensor of the Rafale platform produced by Dassault Aviation.
Company statements confirm that this is the first contract awarded to SFO Technologies specifically for RBE2 radar production. The deal supports Thales’ ongoing efforts to localize manufacturing in India, though details regarding the contract’s monetary value and the quantity of radar systems covered have not been revealed.
As part of the agreement, SFO Technologies will handle key production tasks including wiring, assembly, and integration of radar subsystems. The RBE2 AESA radar provides the Rafale with advanced operational capabilities, enabling air combat, precision strike missions, target tracking, and electronic warfare operations.
The contract comes in the wake of India’s approval in 2023 to acquire 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers. Expanding local production is expected to strengthen India’s defense supply chain while supporting the government’s “Make in India” policy, under which Thales has steadily increased its presence across electronics, radar subsystems, and aerospace manufacturing in the country.
