Flight Deck

Research evidence excerpt

Flight Deck

29 June 2026

Aerospace & Defence

Thales Secures Significant U.S. Army LOCODA Radio Order Following

Rapid Development Push

The U.S. Army selected the Thales Radio Adaptable Transport (RAT) to support its

Low Cost Data Architecture (LOCODA) tactical communications transformation,

with Thales Defense & Security (TDSI) securing an order for up to 5,000 LOCODA

RAT platforms. Rapidly developed and field-ready in under four months, LOCODA

RAT delivers scalable, modular, multi-transport voice and data connectivity

designed to modernize communications and integrate effortlessly into existing and

future U.S. Army vehicle platforms. Its modular architecture allows for the

simultaneous embedding of additional radios, amplifiers, and mission modules to

extend communication range and expand transport options, aligning with the

Army's broader effort to modernize tactical communications for distributed

operations in contested environments. (Source: Bloomberg)

Our view: This is good news for Thales, but no first time: Thales has a long and

successful history of securing significant radio contracts with the U.S. Army, primarily

through its subsidiary Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI). The success is largely

attributed to Thales' expertise in developing combat-proven, software-defined radio

(SDR) equipment that addresses critical needs for secure, multi-band, and

interoperable communications for soldiers on the battlefield. For instance, Thales has

been a key player in the JTRS initiative, which aimed to develop software-defined

radios for various military applications.

The French DGA shows interest in the S301 tactical combat drone

developed by Schiebel and Thales

French General Schill has suggested the possibility of acquiring less-expensive and