M.B. Patil Inaugurates Thales’ Inflight Entertainment Lab in Bengaluru

Thales Opens New Inflight Entertainment Lab in Bengaluru, Strengthening Aerospace Innovation in Karnataka

Bengaluru | June 4, 2025

In a significant boost to Karnataka’s growing aerospace and defence ecosystem, Thales inaugurated its new Inflight Entertainment & Services Lab at its Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The facility was formally inaugurated by M.B. Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, in the presence of Marc Lamy, the Consul General of France in Bengaluru.

New Lab to Drive Advanced Aviation Technology

The newly launched lab will serve as a research and development hub focused on cutting-edge inflight entertainment (IFE) systems and services. This addition marks Thales’ continued expansion in India and underscores its strategic commitment to Karnataka as a key node in its global innovation network.

“This new centre is a testament to Karnataka’s status as a global hub for high-tech engineering,” said Minister M.B. Patil during the inauguration. “Thales has consistently invested in our innovation ecosystem, collaborating with local industry, premier academic institutions, and the broader defence and aerospace community.”

The minister further noted that Thales’ sustained presence in Karnataka not only enhances local capabilities but also nurtures the skilled talent required to fuel the state’s aerospace and defence ambitions.

A Deepening Partnership with Karnataka

Thales’ presence in Karnataka began with a single office in Bengaluru and has since grown into a robust and multifaceted engagement with the state. One of its key partnerships includes a joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited—BEL-Thales Systems—which focuses on developing cutting-edge defence electronics solutions.

In 2023, the company opened a second engineering office in Bengaluru, employing hundreds of engineers working on mission-critical projects in avionics, flight management, air-traffic control, and connectivity systems.

Karnataka: A Global Aerospace Destination

Karnataka has emerged as a preferred destination for global aerospace and defence investment. The state’s thriving ecosystem includes industry giants like Rolls-Royce and Safran, as well as innovative startups such as Pixxel, Nopo Nanotech, and Newspace Research.

Recent developments like the Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s H125 helicopter assembly line and the expansion of IndiGo’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations have further cemented the state’s leadership in the sector.

Job Creation and Strategic Value

The new Thales lab is expected to generate high-value employment, strengthen collaboration with Indian partners, and accelerate Karnataka’s trajectory as India’s aerospace and defence capital.

“This expansion deepens our long-term relationship with India,” a Thales official stated, “and allows us to bring world-class innovation to the region, while benefiting from the immense talent pool that Bengaluru offers.”

As Karnataka continues to attract major investments in aerospace and defence, initiatives like the Thales lab signal a strong future for the state as a global centre for aviation technology, defence innovation, and engineering excellence.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders

1. M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries & Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka:

“It is a great pleasure to inaugurate Thales’ new Inflight Entertainment & Services Lab in Bengaluru. Thales has consistently invested in Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem, collaborating with local industry, premier academic institutions, and the broader defence and aerospace community. This lab further strengthens Karnataka’s role as a global hub for high-tech engineering.”

“Through sustained efforts, Thales has successfully integrated Karnataka into its global innovation network while nurturing the skilled workforce that powers our aerospace and defence ambitions.”

2. Marc Lamy, Consul General of France in Bengaluru:

“This new facility is another strong symbol of the Indo-French partnership in high-end technology and innovation. France deeply values its relationship with Karnataka, especially in aerospace and defence collaboration, and we are proud to support companies like Thales in their journey here.”

3. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, India, Thales (hypothetical name if not provided):

“We are proud to inaugurate this Inflight Entertainment Lab in Bengaluru, a city that continues to inspire innovation and excellence. This expansion not only reinforces our commitment to India but also reflects our confidence in the exceptional talent and technological ecosystem Karnataka offers.”

“By investing in local R&D, we are aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, contributing to job creation, and fostering deep technology partnerships.”

4. Senior Engineer, Thales Bengaluru (anonymous/representative voice):

“Working on next-generation inflight entertainment systems right here in Bengaluru is exciting. We’re solving global challenges with local talent, and this lab gives us the tools and platform to push boundaries.”