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.
Manufacturing (26 - 27) Manufacture of electrical, electronic and optical products 26.5 - Manufacture of measuring testing instruments, clocks and watches 26.51 - Manufacture of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing and navigation
3,300 jobs Number of planned job creations
Announcement Date
9 February 2026
Employment effect (start)
9 February 2026
Foreseen end date
31 December 2026
Description
Thales, a French high-technology company active in defence, aerospace, and cyber and digital activities, announced 3,300 job creations in France. The hiring is planned for 2026 as part of the company’s annual recruitment campaign.
The recruitment drive is intended to support the group’s growth across its three business sectors, driven by strong demand for defence, aerospace, and digital solutions. The company highlights long-term growth prospects linked to increased defence spending, geopolitical tensions, and sustained investment in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital systems.
The 3,300 recruitments in France will be spread across several regions, notably Île-de-France (1,630), Brittany (290), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (280), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (270), Occitanie (250), Centre-Val de Loire (220), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (180), and Pays de la Loire (130). Around 40% of the new hires will be in engineering positions, while about 25% will be in industrial jobs, including technicians, operators, and engineers. In addition to these recruitments, Thales plans to support 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices in France in 2026.
Thales is a multinational group operating in 68 countries and employs around 83,000 people worldwide. This recruitment is part of a global one: Thales 2026 - WO.
Eurofound (2026), Thales, Business expansion in France, factsheet number 204458, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/204458.
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