The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of strong defence systems and the role that digital systems play in that context. French corporation Thales with its 83,000 staff and revenue of roughly EUR 20 billion has for decades been specialised in keeping armed forces connected. Whether in naval, land or air-based systems, the company’s experts know how to obtain, gather and exchange data. The product range goes from portable radio devices for ground military personnel to complex systems for electronic warfare or defence from cyber attacks from space. Thales has also been a close partner to the German Armed Forces ever since their founding in 1955.
Thales in Germany: stand-out role of Baden-Württemberg
In order to develop and manufacture technology at a high level, corporations need the best people and need to locate in the right region. This is one reason why the company’s German subsidiary chose Ditzingen in Baden-Württemberg as the site for its headquarters. Thales Germany has another important branch in the high-tech location Ulm. The Ulm location works on communication solutions for space missions and on new drive technologies for satellites.
Thales Germany is one of the parent company’s largest national organisations. Revenue stood at around EUR 600 million in 2024 and is mostly recorded domestically. Baden-Württemberg plays a stand-out role here. More than half of the almost 2,200 employees work in Baden-Württemberg. Christoph Ruffner, CEO of Thales Germany, particularly appreciates the academic networks that Baden-Württemberg has to offer. “Some of the strongest research cities in Europe with their universities, institutes and research centres are situated nearby.”
Thales has further German locations in Wilhelmshaven and Kiel, where communication as well as naval guidance and weapon deployment systems are developed. In Koblenz and in Wedel near Hamburg, the company creates simulation solutions for arms training and for civil and military pilot training. All of the locations work with other parts of the group in a total of around 70 countries. Ruffner sees the favourable location of the German headquarters as a major benefit. "The Stuttgart region has an excellent transport infrastructure and is connected to all major European economic hubs, which is extremely important for us as part of an international group."
Pioneering technology and a great work environment
Thales is a group with a long history and predecessor companies that were already based in Baden-Württemberg. The German tech company Standard Elektrik Lorenz (SEL), part of which was later incorporated in Thales, had one of its most significant locations in Stuttgart. Among other things, SEL was known for its expertise in rail and defence technology.
Nowadays, some of Thales Germany’s key strengths involve its navigation and reconnaissance systems. These include sensors, but also radio devices, radar and optronics – i.e. night vision goggles, thermal imagers and reflex sights.
Thales is also a sought-after partner for civil applications. The company supplies cockpit technology for civil aviation as well as systems that speed up handling at airports. A further area of business is cyber security. Banks are the key clients in this area. Encryption technology by Thales protects around a billion financial transactions globally each day.
Thales provides a challenging working environment – making a high quality of life all the more important for its staff. Thales Germany CEO Ruffner considers that Baden-Württemberg provides an excellent setting, with its diverse range of cultural and leisure offerings.
