Thales Strengthens Australia’s Air Defence Readiness with Advanced Aviation Technologies

How does Thales equip Australia’s air crews and fleets to meet every mission challenge—now and into the future?

Training, Technology, Simulation, and Sustainment: The Foundation of Defence Air Readiness

Australia’s security environment is evolving rapidly, making strong and flexible air defence capabilities more vital than ever. Thales Australia empowers the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to ‘shape, deter, respond’ by delivering holistic solutions that prepare, support, and sustain the nation’s frontline air power across Air Force, Navy, and Army platforms.

Creating Real-World Readiness: Advanced Aviation Training and Simulation

From the cockpit to the command centre, genuine mission readiness begins with world-class training. Thales has developed and deployed a comprehensive suite of aviation training and simulation technologies, designed to address the unique needs of Defence. Our solutions meet the Systems Approach to Defence Learning (SADL) process, ensuring every system is both rigorous and relevant.

Thales’ proven delivery spans every defence aviation domain:

• Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS): Delivered for the Royal Australian Navy and Army at Nowra, HATS combines synthetic trainers—including three H135 full flight simulators—and live instruction, providing pilots and aircrew with immersive, scenario-based training for real-world operations.
• Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Simulators: At Oakey, QLD, and Darwin, innovative Full Flight Mission Simulators and Cockpit Procedural Trainers support Army pilots in mastering advanced platforms and tactics.
• Fixed-Wing Aircraft Simulation: In Newcastle, NSW, our simulators ensure RAAF E-7A Wedgetail crews are prepared for airborne early warning and control missions, complemented by AP-3C and F-111 flight and mission simulator solutions that have reliably served the RAAF for decades.

Across every project, Thales provides 24/7 engineering, maintenance, supply, and IT support—delivering operational assurance through every mission-critical moment.

Sustainment and Sovereignty: Trusted Avionics Support for Defence Aircraft

Capability is not just about readiness on day one—it’s about reliable performance across the entire life of a platform. Thales operates a state-of-the-art Avionics Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Western Sydney, providing rapid, in-country turnaround and sovereign support for the ADF’s most critical avionics components.

Key capabilities include:

• Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) support: Engineering and repair services deliver high availability and continued operational effectiveness for frontline Army aviation.
• Air Traffic System Avionics: Ongoing sustainment of the Australian Defence Air Traffic System (ADATS), supporting Air Force airspace management and control.
• Components for Diverse Fleets: As an OEM, Thales provides expertise across everything from Helmet Mounted Displays and datalinks to navigation and electronic warfare systems—supporting both the ADF and the New Zealand Defence Force.

This sovereign sustainment eco-system ensures the ADF can rely on local experts to support activities and most mission-critical systems—a cornerstone of resilience and operational independence.

Embracing the Future: Innovation in Air Defence and Emerging Domains

Thales is a leader in delivering collaborative combat technologies and advanced air defences, designing and integrating air and missile defence systems to counter the full spectrum of aerial threats. Thales’ control centres and coordination platforms are developed to enhance interoperability, decision-making, and survivability for Australian forces.

In parallel, Thales is pioneering Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aerial Systems that provide new dimensions to surveillance, border protection, and security missions—designed and engineered for the unique demands of the Australian environment.

OneSKY: Unifying Australia’s Skies for Defence and Civil Aviation

Thales’s OneSKY project stands as one of Australia’s most ambitious airspace management initiatives, integrating both civilian and military air traffic control under a single advanced system. This collaborative venture with Airservices Australia and the Australian Defence Force aims to deliver seamless, secure coordination across the country’s vast airspace—enhancing efficiency, safety, and national security.

Through cutting-edge digital technologies and real-time data exchange capabilities, OneSKY empowers operators to manage increased traffic volumes, complex operations, and evolving defence requirements. For Australia’s defence forces, it means greater situational awareness, streamlined communication, and robust mission preparation—even in high-pressure environments. As aviation needs evolve, OneSKY is future-ready, ensuring that Australia’s airspace remains safe, resilient, and responsive.

Across the Mission Lifecycle: Enduring Support

No defence mission is one-dimensional. That’s why Thales provides a holistic, whole-of-life approach: from initial crew training and platform simulation, through to comprehensive sustainment and the development of next-generation systems. Thales’ commitment is to operational availability, safety, and continuous technological evolution—so the ADF can meet any challenge, anywhere, at any time.

Thales in Australia is the trusted sovereign partner for the nation’s Defence aviation sector. Through innovation, excellence in training, dedicated support, and forward-focused research, we are helping safeguard Australian airspace, empower our defence personnel, and ensure security well into the future.