French aerospace giant Thales awarded SFO Technologies, the flagship of Kochi-based NeST Group, a landmark contract on December 15, 2025, to manufacture high-value, complex wired structures for the RBE2 AESA radar in Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets. This first major order for India-produced components—designed to endure extreme conditions—bolsters the Make in India initiative, advancing localization of critical sub-systems post the Indian Navy’s 26 Rafale order. SFO’s expertise in precision machining, wiring, electronics, and systems integration, honed through decades of Thales collaboration, integrates Indian firms into the global supply chain, as affirmed by Thales SEVP Philippe Knoche and SFO CMD N. Jehangir. From an Indian strategic lens, this enhances self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in advanced radar tech, fortifies IAF/INavy operational superiority amid China-Pakistan threats, reduces import dependencies, and paves the way for export potential, signaling deepening Indo-French defense ties.