THALES AUSTRALIA NAMED LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT CHIEF MINISTER’S DEFENCE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Thales Australia this week won the prestigious Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Defence Industry – Large Business at the 2025 NT Defence Industry Excellence Awards, held in Darwin as part of NT Defence Week.

Presented by the Hon Lia Finocchiaro, NT Chief Minister, the award recognises Thales’ outstanding contribution to maritime sustainment services in the NT including sustainment of the Armidale Class Patrol Boats, the company’s enduring support for the ADF, and long-standing role growing the Northern Territory’s defence industry.

The award recognises Thales Australia’s outstanding contribution to Australia's defence capability and industry, both in the Northern Territory and across the nation. Thales Australia’s leadership in defence innovation, and its extensive operations span every mainland state and territory, including its Darwin facilities.

As a major contributor to the NT economy and defence industrial ecosystem, Thales employs approximately 30 staff in our industry-leading workforce and has actively engaged with over 100 local companies in the Darwin region, injecting more than $100 million into local supply chains over the past eight years.

Thales Australia’s alignment with the capability demands of the ADF, allies and partners, means that in addition to maritime sustainment, Thales teams also support explosive ordinance and Avionics capabilities in the Northern Territory.

Quotes attributable to Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand:

“We are honoured to receive the Chief Minister’s Award, which acknowledges the critical work our team does every day in building and sustaining Australian defence capability and reflects the dedication of our local workforce.

“Our operations here play a vital role in supporting the ADF and sustaining naval capabilities in the North – a region that’s critical to Australia’s national security.

“This award acknowledges two of our main strengths – our industry-leading workforce and our role as a partner to the Australian Defence Force and the Australian nation.

“This recognition also speaks to the strength of our truly national footprint - from Darwin to Bendigo, Sydney to Mulwalla and beyond. Thales Australia is delivering Australian-made sovereign capability through cutting-edge technology, advanced manufacturing, and trusted partnerships with government and local industry.”

About Thales in Australia

Thales in Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force in the Land, Sea and Air environment. Thales employs over 4,300 people in Australia, across 35 sites and supports over 2,000 jobs along its Australian supply chain.

Thales Australia’s Maritime division designs and manufactures trusted, world-class technological systems for both above and undersea operations, while also maintaining the Navy's critical assets so they are ready and available. Our integrated maritime solutions, made in Australia, are designed to protect our armed forces and improve naval operations, enabling surveillance, situational awareness, sustainment and reconnaissance at sea.