Industry
Defense supplies nearly all of Thales' nine-month reported sales growth
Defense delivered about 94% of the group's nine-month reported sales increase, while third-quarter defense orders fell 6% organically from a year earlier.
Through September 2026, Thales' defense business supplied nearly all of the group's reported sales increase from a year earlier. The segment contributed €1,098 million of the €1,167 million increase. Defense sales rose 13.3% as reported and 13.0% organically, meaning at constant scope and exchange rates.1
Defense supplies nearly all of Thales' reported sales growth
Reported sales increase, first nine months of 2026 versus 2025; € million
The group increase includes the defense segment's increase.
Source: Thales nine-month sales release; TGOs calculations. As of October 22, 2026.
On a reported basis, Aerospace sales rose 3.2% and Cyber & Digital sales fell 1.6% over the same period. Thales credits increased production capacity with contributing to defense sales growth.1 The segment maintained double-digit organic sales growth in the third quarter, at 12.8%.1–2
Third-quarter defense order intake of €3,964 million fell 6% organically from a year earlier.1 First-half intake had grown 28% organically year over year.2 Nine-month defense orders reached €11,315 million, up 14% organically. Thales reports particularly sustained demand in the naval domain, in effectors and in air surveillance and air defense.1
At group level, nine-month organic sales growth reached 8.1%. Thales now expects full-year sales growth at the upper end of its 6% to 7% organic range, potentially beyond it, assuming no new macroeconomic or geopolitical disruptions.1
Thales' sales growth rests heavily on defense execution: the segment represents about 57% of nine-month group sales and supplied nearly all of the reported increase. Even with the year-over-year decline, third-quarter defense orders ran ahead of the segment's sales, at about 1.30 times its third-quarter revenue.1 The defense segment's order book stood at €41.1 billion on June 30.2
Sources (2)
- Thales reports its order intake and sales as of September 30, 2026 (press release, Oct. 22, 2026) www.thalesgroup.com
- Thales reports its 2026 half-year results (press release, July 23, 2026) www.thalesgroup.com