Partnering with purpose: how Thales is collaborating with SMEs in the UK to strengthen defence and security capabilities
© Thales
In the UK, Thales is empowering SMEs to innovate, scale and strengthen the country’s security future by delivering capability at pace. Find out how.
Collaborating to unlock SME potential
Small and medium-sized enterprises play a critical role in strengthening the UK’s defence and security capability. Their agility, specialist expertise and ability to innovate quickly make them essential partners in tackling complex challenges and delivering capability at pace.
At Thales, we’re building a trusted ecosystem of SME partners to bridge the gap between breakthrough ideas and large-scale delivery. Whether you are an established supplier with proven capabilities or a start-up developing disruptive technology, we’re creating clearer pathways to collaborate, innovate and grow with us.
“Our strategy to create an empowered UK SME ecosystem is not merely a business endeavour but a commitment to the country, community and individuals. By building stable relationships with SMEs, we can unlock innovative potential, drive sustainable growth and provide resilience to meet the security needs of the UK and its allies.”
Jayne Planitzer - Procurement Director and SME Champion, Thales UK
© iStock/gorodenkoff
Technologies
Autonomy
Integrating drones and robots on the battlefield to multiply engagement efficiency.
Advanced Sensing
Superior detection, identification, tracking and targeting capabilities in land, sea, air and space.
Quantum
Revolutionising the way we see the world and opening the door to extraordinary inventions.
Secure Navigation & Comms
High-precision navigation and comms solutions for air, space, and military applications.
Cyber
Creating products and services to secure what matters most against cyber attacks.
AI
Delivering reliable, transparent and resilient performance where it matters most.
© Thales UK/Space
What’s driving our approach
© Christopher Ison
Strategic SME Partnering Programme
We’re building long-term relationships with a select group of SMEs whose capabilities align with our most critical delivery priorities.
Through targeted support – including tailored training, development opportunities and connections across the wider defence and security ecosystem – we’re helping SMEs strengthen their capability and scale their businesses.
The programme launches in 2026 with a pilot group of partners who will help shape its development and make sure it delivers real value to SMEs.
© Thales UK/Space
Innovation Ecosystem
We’re creating new pathways for innovation-led SMEs and start-ups to collaborate with us on developing the next generation of defence and security solutions.
Through our Trust My Tech platform, we’ll launch Innovation Challenges designed to identify promising technologies and the best ideas from across the UK. Selected partners gain access to world-class R&D, technical expertise and Thales’ industrial and cloud platforms to help mature technologies and move them towards operational deployment.
Our first UK Trust My Tech Innovation Challenge focuses on Low SWAP (Size, Weight and Power) Land CEMA technologies, with further challenges planned as new opportunities and customer priorities emerge.
“Trust My Tech is much more than a startup accelerator. It is Thales’ global platform for trusted partnerships, enabling faster innovation, stronger collaboration with local ecosystems and new joint business opportunities.”
Matt Ball - Head of External Partnerships