Thales continues its commitment to honour the victims of conflicts and provide human support to the armed forces

Encouraging reservist commitment

In order to support their defence and security forces, certain countries including France have a military reserve composed mainly of civilians. These individuals receive military training while pursuing a professional career, and they carry out missions of varying duration depending on the needs of national defence.

Aware of the importance of this reserve, Thales actively encourages its employees to participate. In France, an agreement between the National Guard (under the authority of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior) and Thales supports the policy for both military and police reserves. The agreement allows reservists to be released from work for twenty working days each year and an additional ten working days in the event of internal security operations. 

Currently, Thales employs 315 reservists among its staff in France.

Beyond operational support, reservists also raise awareness regarding defence issues and the duty of remembrance, particularly by taking part in commemoration activities.

Recruiting and integrating veterans

For Thales, supporting the armed forces also means recruiting former military personnel. These veterans bring their field expertise, while continuing to serve the defence and security of their country.

In the United Kingdom, Thales works with the Royal British Legion Industries to provide veterans and their families with the tools they need to highlight their skills and secure civilian employment. 

In Australia, Thales has set up a Veterans Committee within the company to support the integration of former military personnel, assist their families, and advise management on these matters.

Honouring the memory of the fallen and supporting victims

During Armistice Day commemorations on November 11th, the Group carries out awareness and fundraising campaigns in multiple countries to honour the memory of the fallen and provide support to victims and families affected by overseas operations or terrorist attacks.

Numerous initiatives are organised in Canada and the United States to mark Remembrance Day. In the United Kingdom, Thales hosts fundraising events for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, supporting veterans and various educational and welfare programmes. Thales employees are invited to wear the symbolic “Poppy” - the red cornflower - which represents their contribution and pays tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

In France, for the second consecutive year, Thales is both a partner and sponsor of Bleuet de France, a century-old organisation dedicated to solidarity and remembrance that supports victims of conflict and their families.

Every year, an awareness and fundraising campaign is being held to encourage employees to make a financial contribution and wear the “bleuet” (“cornflower”) with pride. 

The Group remains actively committed to promoting Bleuet de France initiatives throughout the year, notably relying on its reservists to support this mission.

Bleuet de France provides psychological, material, and financial support to those who have risked their lives for France, as well as to their loved ones. The organisation also helps the recovery process for victims of terrorist acts. 

Julien Heissler, who was injured in the Bataclan attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015, was able to count on their support to help his daughters continue their studies. After being wounded during Operation Barkhane in Mali in 2020, Sulaymân Khalef relied on the Bleuet de France to assist his recovery through sports. Former soldier in the first Parachute Hussar Regiment of Tarbes and now paraplegic, he has become a high-level athlete who won two gold medals at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.