Thales awarded €20 million contract to supply Defence Forces communications system

Thales UK Ltd has secured a €20 million contract to deliver an Integrated Communications and Hearing Protection System to Ireland’s Defence Forces.

The INVISIO system will enable personnel to communicate effectively while protecting their hearing in high-noise operational environments.

The system has already been deployed by the Army Ranger Wing since 2015 and by Defence Forces personnel assigned to the European Union Battlegroup, where it demonstrated operational reliability and effectiveness. Under the new agreement, Thales’ solution will integrate with a separate €76 million Software Defined Radio contract, further enhancing tactical communications across the Defence Forces.

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD highlighted the significance of the procurement, saying, “The acquisition of this state-of-the-art capability reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring operational capabilities continue to be provided to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government both at home and overseas.”

The Minister for Defence also said that acquiring the headsets was a strategic and significant investment in advanced technology designed to enhance communication, safeguard hearing, and support the operational effectiveness of personnel in high-noise environments.

“This system will transform the tactical and operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces soldier while ensuring the required levels of hearing protection during all stages of active service,” she added.

“The Government is committed to continuing to invest in both the people and capabilities of the Defence Forces in order to tackle capability gaps, modernise infrastructure and support the Defence Forces in delivering Government commitments under Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability).”

Discover the full story on Thales’ Defence Forces communications contract and its operational impact.

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