Thales Reports Strong Growth in Defense Sector in Q1 2026

In the first quarter of 2026, Thales’ orders soared (+71%) to 2.2 billion euros in the defense sector, while revenue in this sector significantly increased (+13.2%) to 3.04 billion.

Thales’ growth continues to be driven by defense due to the international situation. In the first quarter, orders sharply rose (+71%) to 2.2 billion euros (compared to 1.3 billion) in the defense sector, while revenue significantly increased (+13.2%) to 3.04 billion (compared to 2.69 billion). The high-tech group led by Patrice Caine starts 2026 on a positive note despite setbacks in its other activities. Overall revenue and order intake across all sectors increased significantly, by 7.3% (5.29 billion) and 23% (4.6 billion), respectively, but much slower than its defense division.

Overall, revenue showed solid growth on mature markets (+9.7%), driven notably by the UK (+15.4%) and continental Europe excluding France (+26.4%). The same was true for emerging markets, with organic growth of 9.8% during the period, including 29.8% in the Middle East. Specifically, Cyber & Digital revenue declined by 4.2% ($859 million), while aerospace revenue increased by 3.2% ($1.38 billion).

Large Orders Driven by Defense

In terms of large orders, Thales outperformed the first quarter of 2025, during which the group secured five such contracts (over 100 million euros) totaling 707 million euros. In the first quarter of 2026, Thales recorded seven large orders amounting to 1.6 billion euros, including the one destined for Denmark, which acquired the SAMP/T NG. Apart from two large orders in space, Thales also placed its military equipment in Qatar (GM 200 MM/A and GM 400 Alpha radars), in France for deterrence, in Canada (naval maintenance), and in an unnamed European country for the supply of air defense command posts.