The Indian government has chosen Armaris, a joint venture between Thales and DCN, as prime contractor for the technology transfer programme under which six conventionally propelled Scorpène submarines will be built in India. For Thales, the contract is worth nearly € 600 million. Thales will assume prime contracting responsibilities through Armaris and will provide assistance to the Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited. The company will also supply key subsystems for the submarines' six SUBTICS(r) integrated combat systems, including underwater sensors, communications and optronics, and electronic warfare equipment.

Thales has been active in India for more than 50 years. The Group enjoys a strong cooperative relationship with the Indian armed forces and has provided equipment, systems and support for numerous platforms in service with the country's land, air and naval forces. Thales also has a strong presence in civil aviation (particularly as an equipment supplier for the Airbus airliners in service with Air India and Indian Airlines), and in the air navigation sector. As part of its strategy, Thales recently expanded its local presence in India, setting up a new company in New Delhi in 2003. The new company, Thales International India, offers a range of IT and support services for local civil and military programmes.