AVALON 2023
Thales at Avalon 2023 – Australian International Airshow
28 February - 5 March 2023
Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services
Thales Australia specialises in avionics and electronics for the aerospace domain, utilising world-leading technology in airspace control, drones and urban mobility, as well as security solutions for the commercial and defence sectors.
Our connected digital solutions, next generation high fidelity simulation platforms are cyber secure by design. Maximising passenger and operator safety and situational awareness, our solutions and services are made to transform operational capabilities while reducing fuel usage and CO2 emissions.
Thales is an official Sponsor of Avalon 2023- Australian International Air show, and invites you to meet with our team.
When you work at Thales, you’re not only working for one of Australia’s leading engineering and technology companies, you are part of a network of 80,000 professionals located in 56 countries to deliver market leading solutions in the Aerospace, Space, Maritime, Defence & Security industries!
From trades apprenticeships through to engineering roles, and everything in between, we provide careers that offer growth, development and flexibility so you can enjoy all life has to offer.
With over 300 opportunities with Thales in Australia, visit the our Talent Acquisition team at the Avalon 2023 Thales Careers Hub to find out more.

Visit us at the Swinburne University stand, Hall 1, to see demonstration of TopSky - UAS Airspace Manager. This is a cooperative and cybersecure platform for safe and efficient low altitude airspace management.
28 February - 3 March
Thales is proud to partner with Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) to launch Australia’s first Pride in Flight Panel discussion.
Time: Thursday, 2 March, 8:30am – 11am
Location: Thales Australia, World Trade Centre, Melbourne
To celebrate Pride in Flight and support LGBTQIA+ rights in the workplace, A/AA is bringing together industry leaders across the Australian aviation, aerospace, and space sector to engage in meaningful discussion on issues important to the LGBTQIA+ community and workforce representation. Our aim is to support, build, and unite the LGBTQIA+ community, and contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, equal, and innovative workforce.
Join Phil Swadling, Technical Director, Avionics, as he presents at these 2 sessions:
Time: Monday, 27th February, 12:30pm
Location: Metropolis, Melbourne
Presenter: Phil Swadling, Technical Director, Avionics, Thales Australia
Conference: Emerging Aviation Technologies: Challenging the Status Quo in Australia
Abstract: Thales has taken a wholistic approach towards airspace and ground-space assurance in the emerging UAV sector. This has been an exercise in discovery, collaboration and initiative by different parts of the global Thales business, the rationale behind which has been that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Read more
Abstract: Thales has taken a wholistic approach towards airspace and ground-space assurance in the emerging UAV sector. This has been an exercise in discovery, collaboration and initiative by different parts of the global Thales business, the rationale behind which has been that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Specifically, with the Avionics and Airspace Mobility businesses. This whole of Thales approach is indicative of the collaborative approach needed for a seamless, integrated framework, to enable the advancement of drone use in Australia.
Building a future that we can all trust involves optimising the economics, security and assurance of each and every UAV flight to whatever the mission calls for. Having a seamless solution allows for end-to-end control of the entire airspace, and greatly helps achieve the associated risk mitigation process. This presentation will discuss our view of the requirements for a complete ecosystem of technological components and open-access strategy, required to allow industry to shape our shared future for VLOS, EVLOS and BVLOS drone flight.
Time: Thursday, 2nd March, 11:30 - 12:30
Location: The AVALON Hub, Room 6, Conference Centre at AVALON 2023 Event Site
Presenter: Phil Swadling, Technical Director, Avionics, Thales Australia
Conference: The Avalon 2023 Hub
Abstract: There are many initiatives underway across the world to explore the technologies and regulations needed to fully enable the potential of drone operations to be realised. A significant factor in realising this potential is enabling drones to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight. Read more
Abstract: There are many initiatives underway across the world to explore the technologies and regulations needed to fully enable the potential of drone operations to be realised. A significant factor in realising this potential is enabling drones to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight. Over the past few years, Thales has been utilising its vast experience in certified aircraft avionics systems and air traffic management to develop technologies and has carried out a number of trials of BVLOS operations. This presentation by Phil Swadling, Technical Director, Avionics, Thales Australia, will discuss the work carried out to date and the lessons learned from both a technological and regulatory perspective.
Time: Monday, 27th February, 11:00
Location: Sofitel, Melbourne
Presenter: Grant Williams, Technical Director, Airspace Mobility Solutions, Thales Australia
Conference: Australian International Aerospace Congress
Abstract: The world is changing. With the advancements in materials technology for airframes, new propulsion systems such as electric, hydrogen or hybrid and the increased proliferation of drones brings new paradigms of operation. We need to adapt how we manage this in all types of airspace, including the urban environment. Read more
Abstract: The world is changing. With the advancements in materials technology for airframes, new propulsion systems such as electric, hydrogen or hybrid and the increased proliferation of drones brings new paradigms of operation. We need to adapt how we manage this in all types of airspace, including the urban environment.
Several initiatives have been undertaken globally to investigate the concepts of operation required to enable regional drone operations for cargo deliveries or infrastructure inspections and also Urban Air Mobility (UAM) or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) covering cargo and passenger operations in an urban environment. In addition, how these operations can safely co-exist with traditional aviation needs to be determined (i.e. UTM/ATM integration).
This presentation provides a view on some of those initiatives being executed around the world, investigates the lessons learned from each and describes the key recommendations that should be incorporated in any AAM initiative to be undertaken in Australia.
Are you an SME interested in export opportunities? Meet the Thales team at the Defence Global Supply Chain Program – SME & Prime Networking Event to learn more about export opportunities, pathways and assistance provided under the program.
Time: Wednesday, 1 March, 10 – 12
Location: Room 6, Conference Centre, AVALON 2023 Event Site, Avalon Airport, Geelong
See the StrikeMaster– a collaboration between Thales Australia and Kongsberg Defence Australia to integrate the land-based anti-ship missile system on the Australian made Bushmaster utility vehicle.