Thales has secured export deals worth GBP 1.1 billion that will create and sustain more than 500 jobs in Glasgow, the UK government stated.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the contracts were supported by long-term defence investment in Scotland and involve Thales’ UK optronics business, which is headquartered in Glasgow. The agreements are expected to support employment over the next five years while strengthening the company’s role in international defence programmes.
Thales’ Scottish operations already support nearly 2,300 jobs across its supply chain and contribute more than £140 million to the Scottish economy each year, according to the government.
The export deals include supplying thermal cameras and laser rangefinders for remote weapon stations produced by Norway’s Kongsberg for armoured fighting vehicles, as well as work on the AI-enabled TrueHunter Gimbal Sight targeting and surveillance system for the German armed forces.
The company is also involved in work related to the UK’s Dreadnought-class submarines and continues to support submarine programmes connected to AUKUS and the Royal Navy.
The announcement comes as the UK government formally launches Scotland’s Defence Growth Deal, an initiative intended to expand skills development and strengthen Scotland’s defence industrial base.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said the agreements highlight Scotland’s role within the UK defence sector.
“These deals highlight Scotland as a defence industrial powerhouse – backing jobs and skills for years into the future, all while helping keep the UK secure.”
“Our long-term investment in Scotland is winning work on the global stage for outstanding industry firms such as Thales, delivering for our Armed Forces and making defence an engine for growth.”
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the contracts demonstrate the strength of Scotland’s defence industry and its ability to compete internationally.
“The UK Government is delivering a defence dividend for Scotland. Thales securing more than £1 billion in export orders – creating and sustaining 500 jobs in Glasgow and thousands more in the supply chain is the latest in an impressive line of wins for Scotland.”
“Scottish expertise is beating competition from countries all over the world, boosting order books, securing thousands of jobs at home for years to come and strengthening partnerships abroad.”
Phil Siveter, chief executive of Thales in the UK, said government commitment had enabled the company to expand its capabilities and invest in skills development.
“Long term commitment from government enables Thales to increase its capability in Glasgow, as well as significantly benefiting the local supply chain.”
“With these commitments, Thales has been able to make significant investments in future talent, as well as a new Skills Academy, located in Glasgow, to support the learning and development of the next generation of engineers.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, the department spent more than £2 billion in Scotland during the 2024/25 financial year, supporting around 11,800 industry jobs and awarding 254 contracts to Scottish businesses.
