Thales — Capital/Financing Update 2015

Oct 5, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Paris La Défense, 5 th October 2015 Australia chooses Thales's Hawkei vehicle

© Australian Department of Defence

The Hawkei is set to become the latest addition to the Australian Defence Force fleet following the signing of a AUD 1.3 billion (about EUR 820 million) contract with the Commonwealth.

Soldiers on operations will benefit from increased protection and mobility in a powerful 4x4 vehicle, which can be adapted for different missions.

Thales's Hawkei follows the life-saving success of the larger Bushmaster vehicle, which has protected Australian and other troops in some of the most challenging combat environments on earth.

Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales said: "This is a great day for the Australian Defence Force and for Australian industry. Hawkei is a highly capable vehicle that will serve Australia for many years to come, and we are delighted that the Australian Department of Defence has recognised the importance of this vehicle by reaching this milestone.

As we move into the manufacturing phase, we will now be able to consolidate the work already begun across the Thales group worldwide to ensure the export success of this impressive vehicle."

The contract involves the delivery of 1,100 vehicles and over 1,000 trailers. The three and a half year production phase is scheduled to begin from mid-2017, with first deliveries expected towards the end of that year.

Key points

• AUD 1.3 billion (about EUR 820 million) contract.
• 1,100 vehicles.
• Powerful 4x4 benefits soldiers on operations.

PRESS RELEASE

"Hawkei is a highly capable vehicle that will serve Australia for many years to come. As we move into the manufacturing phase, we will now be able to consolidate the work already begun across the Thales group worldwide to ensure the export success of this impressive vehicle."

Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO, Thales

Please visit

Thales Group Defence

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 61,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €13 billion in 2014. With over 20,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its unique international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.

Thales in 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. Employing around 3,200 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales in Australia recorded revenues of AUD 1 billion in 2014.

Press Contacts

Thales, Media Relations Land & Naval Defence Sonia Le Guével +33 (0)1 57 77 91 60 sonia.leguevel@thalesgroup.com

Thales in Australia Julian Elliott +61 (0)2 8037 6031 Julian.elliott@thalesgroup.com