Bengaluru — Shri M.B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, today inaugurated Thales’ New Inflight Entertainment & Services Lab atEngineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru. The inauguration was held in the presence of Mr. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru, marking yet another milestone in the growing partnership between Karnataka and global industry leaders in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The newly inaugurated Inflight Entertainment & Services Lab is part of Thales’ expanding presence in Karnataka and will serve as a hub for advanced research, testing, and development in inflight entertainment technologies. This expansion underscores Thales’ long-term commitment to Karnataka, where it has steadily grown its presence across defence, aerospace, and digital technology domains.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister M.B. Patil said,“It is a great pleasure to inaugurate Thales’s new Inflight Entertainment & Services Lab in Bengaluru. Thales has consistently invested in Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem, collaborating with local industry, premier academic institutions, and the broader defence and aerospace community. This new centre is a testament to Karnataka’s status as a global hub for high-tech engineering.Through, its sustained efforts, Thales has integrated Karnataka into its global innovation network while helping nurture the skilled workforce that powers our aerospace and defence ambitions “
Thales’ journey in Karnataka began with its first office in Bengaluru and has since evolved into a deep and enduring relationship with the state. Notable milestones include its joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited—BEL-Thales Systems—which focuses on developing cutting-edge defence electronics. In 2023, Thales further strengthened its roots by opening a second engineering office in the city, where hundreds of engineers now work on mission-critical systems in avionics, air-traffic management, connectivity, and flight management.
Karnataka today is home to one of India’s most vibrant aerospace and defence ecosystems. From global giants like Rolls-Royce and Safran to groundbreaking startups like Pixxel, Nopo Nanotech, and Newspace Research, the state offers a dynamic environment for innovation. Recent milestones such as the launch of TASL’s H125 helicopter assembly line and the expansion of Indigo’s MRO operations further reinforce Karnataka’s position as the destination of choice for global aerospace and defence investment.
The new Thales lab is expected to create high-value jobs, deepen local partnerships, and further accelerate Karnataka’s journey as India’s aerospace and defence capital.