Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Thales, a French global leader in defence, aerospace, and cybersecurity, has announced plans to recruit more than 9,000 new employees worldwide in 2026.
In Europe, the company is to create new jobs in the following countries: France (3,300): Thales 2026 - FR, the Netherlands (520): Thales 2026 - NL, Germany (300): Thales 2026 - DE, Romania (240): Thales 2026 - RO, Portugal (200): Thales 2026-PT , Poland (140): Thales 2026 - PL, and Spain (130): Thales 2026 - ES.
In addition, the business expansion will also apply to the United Kingdom (800), Australia (530), India (450), Singapore (200), North America (630), as well as Latin America (390) and the Middle East and Africa (150).
Approximately 40% of the new hires will be assigned to engineering roles, such as software, AI, and cybersecurity, while 25% will focus on industrial positions like technicians and operators. A tripling of production and high demand in the defence sector drives the recruitment. The company's management remains committed to diversity, aiming for 75% of management committees to include at least four women by 2026, and is actively engaging with students through programs like ‘Vocation Makers’ and ‘STEM for All’.
Headquartered in France, Thales employs nearly 83,000 people in 68 countries and generated sales of €20.6 billion in 2024.
Previous business expansion events of Thales have been reported in the ERM database: Thales 2025-WO (5,750 jobs), Thales 2023-WO (12,000 jobs), Thales 2022-WO (11,000 jobs).
Eurofound (2026), Thales, Business expansion in World, factsheet number 204217, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204217.