Boeing has announced plans to sell its Digital Receiver Technology (DRT) subsidiary to Thales Defense & Security, a division of Thales Group for an undisclosed amount. DRT produces surveillance equipment for government customers.
The sale comes as Boeing seeks to streamline its operations and focus on its core businesses of commercial aviation and major defense contracts. This strategic move is part of the company’s efforts to improve its financial performance amid recent challenges, including labor disputes, safety concerns, and production delays.
Boeing originally acquired the unit in 2008.
For Thales, the’ acquisition of DRT represents a strategic move to expand its footprint in the United States. DRT, with its established contracts in the U.S. intelligence and military sectors, provides Thales with another avenue into the American defense market.
DRT specializes in digital signal processing products, including wireless receivers and transceivers. These technologies are widely used by U.S. intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security to gather signals intelligence and monitor potential threats.
This acquisition aligns with Thales’ broader growth strategy in the defense sector, which currently accounts for approximately 52% of the company’s revenue. Rising geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as uncertainty in Asia, have led to increased government defense spending. This surge in investment benefits Thales’ defense electronics business, which specializes in manufacturing radars, combat management systems, and other essential military equipment.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
