Thales Nears RTX Stake Acquisition In NATO Air Defense JV

Thales is in advanced talks to acquire RTX's 50% stake in the joint venture Thales Raytheon Systems Air and Missile Defence Command and Control SAS (TRS AMDC2), which develops NATO's Air Command and Control System (ACCS). The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding and will consult employee representative bodies as part of the acquisition process. Thales aims for full ownership and expects the transaction to complete by the end of 2025, pending regulatory and antitrust approvals. This move reflects Europe's increased focus on strengthening air defense capabilities, highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. Thales, a global leader in defense and aerospace technologies with significant investments in R&D, views this acquisition as aligning with its commitment to sovereignty and security. The deal is anticipated to close soon, further consolidating Thales' role in European and NATO defense infrastructure.