Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Lyons hails innovation and resilience of Thales Belfast

Aerospace

Lyons hails innovation and resilience of Thales Belfast

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has commended Thales Belfast on its continuing innovation and resilience throughout the pandemic.

Above: Economy Minister Gordon Lyons (centre) with Philip McBride, Managing Director and David Gilleece, Operations Director, Thales Belfast.
Courtesy Thales Belfast

The Minister visited the Thales facility at Castlereagh where he received an update on the company’s Belfast and wider UK operations and viewed the business’s Covid safe working practices.
Speaking after the visit, the Minister said: “Thales has a 60-year heritage in Northern Ireland in leading-edge, high technology engineering, employing around 500 people and sustaining a significant wider local supply chain.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“The company has shown great resilience through what has been a very challenging period, continuing to innovate and push the local engineering sector forward, whilst putting in place safe working practices for company staff.

“The company’s position as a global leader was underlined by its recent success in securing a significant contract from the Ministry of Defence and its impressive presence at the Defence and Security Equipment International Exhibition in London earlier this month.

“I found my visit to be engaging and enlightening and I wish the company the very best for the future.”

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

Philip McBride, Managing Director of Thales Belfast, said: “We were delighted to host Minister Lyons at our facility in Castlereagh, where we showed him our leading edge technology, developed by Thales Belfast and underpinned by our supply chain in Northern Ireland.

“Our ongoing success allows us to continue to provide highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and supports the development of the next generation of engineering excellence, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Northern Ireland Executive and Invest Northern Ireland in that endeavour.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Wallwork returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026

15 December 2025

Wallwork Group will be returning to Southern Manufacturing 2026 - being held 3rd–5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre - with a significantly expanded capability, showcasing the hard coatings, heat treatments and advanced thermal processing solutions they supply.

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

15 December 2025

The UK's first licensed spaceport, Spaceport Cornwall, has commenced work on a groundbreaking project with the National Drone Hub to establish a unique testing environment for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

15 December 2025

Smiths Detection's SDX 100100 DV HC X-ray scanner has been added to the Transportation Security Administration’s Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL), enabling its use by regulated operators across the US air cargo sector.

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

Aerospace

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

12 December 2025

Projects to inspire the next generation of aviators across the UK are set to get a boost as the Government today announced a £750,000 boost to projects inspiring young people to explore careers in aviation.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

Aerospace Space

ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

11 December 2025

Viasat has announced that ITA Airways is being equipped with Iris technology, paving the way to trajectory-based operations which can cut emissions and enhance airline efficiency.

Stansted records busiest ever November

Aerospace

Stansted records busiest ever November

11 December 2025

London Stansted had its busiest-ever November as it prepares for what is forecast to be a record-breaking festive season.

Advertisement
ODU RT