Thales and SMI Collaboration in the UK
Thales and SMI have signed an agreement to collaborate in delivering state of the art underwater defence products.
Thales is a key supplier of systems, equipment and services in the UK MoD Naval domain and wishes to continue to focus its resources on sustaining and building critical core capabilities. SMI, an agile cable systems designer with employees spread across the UK France and Australia, has specialist expertise and 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of fit and forget cable systems.
This agreement, which builds on the strong existing relationship and the combined skills and expertise of the two companies, provides world-leading, innovative solutions for connectivity across a range of maritime platforms. Both companies have signed this agreement to formalise their relationship to develop technology and capability for maritime, civil, security and military domains.
“I am delighted to welcome SMI into our rapidly forming Maritime Eco System. SMI are world leaders in their field and will provide us with unique capabilities to help drive our growth.”
Phil Jones, Managing Director, Maritime Mission Systems for Thales in the UK
SMI have been in continuous supply of unassailable cable solutions to Thales and its predecessors for over 25 years. This includes 23 years uninterrupted Capability Approval from the UK MoD for Pressure Hull Glands for submarines, which is a unique achievement worldwide.
The collaboration promises to see innovation and reliability extended to a range of global programmes which will further cement Thales’ position as global leader in underwater systems and the world’s top exporter of sonars and related systems for naval forces.
“Working closely together and building an enduring collaboration we believe that Thales and SMI can realise tangible benefits by harnessing complementary skills and expertise” Keith Wells, C.E.O. SMI.