French Company Thales Supplies Equipment for Israeli Armed Drones Since 2018

Thales, a French armament group with the French state as its majority shareholder, has sold €2 million in electronic components and communication systems for armed drones to Israeli entities between 2018 and 2023, according to documents reviewed by Disclose. These components are likely used in Heron TP and Hermes UAVs, models that have been deployed in operations against Palestinian civilians.

Thales describes itself as a model company committed to integrity, responsibility, and ethical business practices. It is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, which includes a pledge not to be accessory to human rights violations. However, the company’s actions appear to contradict this commitment, as evidenced by its sales to Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems, two major Israeli arms manufacturers.

The company confirmed the sale of components to “Israeli entities” but stated that the “airborne communication systems” sold are “not lethal.” However, experts note that transponders and collision avoidance radars are essential for operating drones that can be used to kill. Chris Lincoln Johnson, a former British military officer and UAV consultant, explained that these systems are vital for military drones to navigate and target effectively.

The implications of these sales are underscored by real-world consequences. In July 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, a missile strike in Gaza killed four children playing football. The attack highlights the potential for drone technology to cause civilian casualties, raising ethical and moral concerns about the role of companies like Thales in such conflicts.

The sale of components for armed drones reflects a broader pattern of Israeli involvement in global arms trade and military technology. France’s role in this supply chain raises questions about the responsibilities of nations and corporations in ensuring their technologies are not used to perpetuate violence and injustice. The case of Thales serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in international arms dealings.

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