Thales has said it is accelerating efforts to enlarge its footprint in India, with much of the expansion linked to its defence offset engagements across the country.

The French company’s most high-profile program in India is currently linked to its position as a major supplier on the Dassault Rafale, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring under a 36-aircraft, USD 9 billion deal signed in 2016.

Thales’ other programmes include its supply of systems on board the Indian Navy’s six Scorpene-class submarines, which are being built in India by Mazagon Dock, and its continuing project with Dassault to upgrade the IAF’s fleets of Mirage-2000H fighter aircraft.