Thales Opens Services Center in Japan and Targets 16% Workforce Increase by 2030
Present in Japan for over 55 years, where it employs more than 150 people in defense, aerospace and cybersecurity, Thales has made this country a new pillar of its "multi-domestic" strategy. In a press release published on October 14, 2026, the group linked the opening of a dedicated equipment maintenance facility to a target of increasing its local workforce.
A Center Dedicated to the Life Cycle of Defense Equipment
The Thales Japan Services Centre is the group's first services center in the country. According to the press release, it will build on Thales' installed base in Japan and aims to support the growth of the group's services activities, particularly in the defense sector.
Its missions focus on improving operational performance, maintaining equipment over the long term throughout its life cycle and maximizing its operational availability. The center is expected to consolidate defense services capabilities such as maintenance, support, operational availability and local development. It should host around 40 people by 2030.
The group indicates that this establishment should contribute to the resilience and sovereignty of the Japanese industry. It should also make it possible to rapidly adapt to customer requirements, ensure service continuity under all circumstances and limit the risk of disruption during critical periods.
Workforce Increase of Over 16% Targeted by 2030
Thales indicates that it has increased its workforce in Japan by more than 11% since 2024, following recent commercial successes. The group intends to continue this momentum with an increase of over 16% in its workforce by 2030. This growth is notably driven, according to the press release, by recently won contracts in the space sector and by Japan's needs in defense and cybersecurity.
Already a partner to many major Japanese players, Thales intends to extend its cooperation to SMEs and startups, both on local projects and by integrating them into its global supply chain. Group experts in engineering and services will support partners on site on a daily basis.
The group presents this approach as an illustration of its "multi-domestic" strategy, combined with the independent nature of its technology platforms, which makes it possible to integrate them into existing systems and infrastructures. "The momentum of our recruitment in Japan and the opening of the Thales Japan Services Centre mark a new milestone in our commitment to our Japanese partners and customers," said Pascale Sourisse, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of international development. Thales, which has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries, achieved revenue of 22.1 billion euros in 2025.
