Technology to Boost Mexico’s Digital Sovereignty

Q: How has Thales Group's position in the Mexican market evolved to where it is today?

A: For six decades, Thales has contributed to Mexico's development, driving its progress through innovative solutions that have left their mark on advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors . Our position in Mexico has become stronger through continuous technological development, with security as the foundation across all our business lines. Digital transformation and AI have been key drivers, enabling us to enhance our solutions for aerospace, telecommunications, and financial services. By adopting advanced technologies, we have evolved from being a provider of products to delivering integrated solutions that address the complex security and operational needs of the industries we serve.

Q: What relevance does the Mexican market have within Thales Group's strategy in Latin America and what specific opportunities do you see to strengthen its local positioning?

A: Mexico is one of our strategic markets in Latin America due to its dynamic economy and expanding sectors such as aerospace, telecommunications, and financial services. We already operate two industrial facilities located in Mexico City and Cuernavaca, where we produce bank cards, SIMs, and biometric readers, and we plan to further expand our presence. Currently, we have 1,300 employees in Mexico, which reflects our significant footprint. We also, see strong opportunities particularly in the aerospace sector, as air traffic is growing rapidly. Additionally, the financial services market in Mexico is evolving, driven by the rise of fintech and the increasing adoption of digital SIMs.

Q: As the first Mexican woman to lead Thales Group in the country, how are you promoting the transformation of highly strategic sectors?

A: Our goal is to strengthen Mexico’s role as a global hub for innovation through genuine technology transfer and the development of local talent. We are expanding our industrial capabilities to create centers of excellence that generate high-value jobs and export innovation from Mexico to the world. At the same time, we are fostering the growth of skilled Mexican engineers while increasing the participation of women in the technology sector, ensuring that our impact is both economic and social. 
As the first Mexican to assume the role of CEO of Thales in Mexico, my mission is to strengthen and expand the Group’s presence in the country, consolidating its influence in strategic sectors. Under my leadership, Thales in Mexico will continue to develop innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Mexican market, contributing to the country’s technological growth and reinforcing our commitment to the modernization of key areas such as Defense, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, and Digital.

Q: What role do strategic alliances with public and private actors play in the consolidation of Thales Group's portfolio in Mexico, especially in mission-critical projects?

A: Strategic alliances are essential to addressing complex challenges such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. We work closely with private companies, government entities, and academic institutions to combine expertise and resources. These collaborations enable us to deliver mission-critical solutions in sectors where security, resilience, and innovation are indispensable. This vision reflects a commitment to innovation, local presence, and national technological advancement, aligned with the strategic role the company plays in key sectors for the country's development.

Q: What kind of defense solutions and systems does Thales Group offer in Mexico?

A: In Mexico, Thales is recognized as one of the sector leaders, having earned the trust of defense entities by offering high-quality systems and products backed by exceptional customer service. We provide advanced solutions that reinforce Mexico’s sovereignty, including military-grade radars, secure communications, and intelligence systems. A key example is the technology supplied for the POLA-class frigate developed with the Mexican Navy, which integrates our radar and communication systems. We also equip helicopters and provide airspace surveillance systems, ensuring operational readiness in both defense and national security missions.

We support Mexico’s armed forces in their dual role: safeguarding national security and providing aid during natural disasters. Our secure communication and logistics technologies are critical in delivering rapid response and infrastructure support in emergencies. This approach reflects a broader vision of defense that encompasses both external protection and internal resilience.

Q: How does your portfolio respond to the data protection, identity management, and advanced threat challenges facing Mexican governments and companies?

A: Through advanced cybersecurity solutions and cutting-edge data protection technologies, Thales in Mexico collaborates closely with both government entities and the private sector, to safeguard the integrity and security of critical information and systems. We provide end-to-end cybersecurity solutions to a wide range of institutions across different sectors, including public agencies, as well as  private organizations across  banking, fintech, insurance, and telecommunications. Our portfolio includes identity management, user authentication, and data protection in transit and at rest. With the  acquisition of Imperva in 2024, we have significantly enhanced  our capabilities in advances threat detection and prevention, further strengthening  our ability to respond increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges.

Q: What proposals does Thales Group offer in the field of digital identity and IoT security for institutions that need to guarantee authentication and traceability in complex and regulated environments?

A: We are a trusted technology partner for Mexico’s banking sector, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that enhance both physical and digital security. Our services include card manufacturing and personalization, as well as advanced authentication and identity verification for digital channels.

We are leaders in the supply of eSIM (embedded SIM) technology in the country and play a key role in securing data across all touchpoints, physical and digital. We manufacture high-security bank cards equipped with embedded chips that protect sensitive information throughout the product lifecycle.

On the digital side, platforms like DigOne empower banks and fintechs to authenticate users and secure transactions using technologies such as tokenization, helping to reduce fraud while ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards.

Q: What trends are expected to be the most transformative within the Mexican market by 2026 and how is Thales Group adapting to them?

A: AI is the most transformative trends, and we are integrating it into our solutions to drive operational efficiencies and generate actionable insights. In the aerospace sector, AI supports predictive air traffic analysis, infrastructure planning, and optimized maintenance scheduling, delivering measurable value by improving decision-making and enhancing operational reliability. ..

Internally, we are leveraging AI to automate processes, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision-making. This digital transformation empowers our teams to focus on innovation and the development of next-generation technologies, ensuring we remain agile and competitive in an increasingly dynamic market.

Q: What role will AI play in the field of data protection and cyberdefense in a context of increasing digital fragmentation?

A: Thales is integrating AI into its cyber defense solutions as a key component to address the challenges of today’s evolving digital landscape. In a context where AI not only drives innovation but is also leveraged by cybercriminals to carry out increasingly sophisticated attacks, is essential to adopt cybersecurity strategies that incorporate intelligent and adaptive capabilities.

Our company is developing proactive approaches that combine advanced bot detection tools, predictive analytics, and robust cybersecurity management solutions. These technologies enable real-time threat identification, automated blocking of malicious activity, and the protection of critical applications, sensitive data, and corporate reputation.

One example of the growing impact of AI in cyberattacks is that, in 2024, more than 2 million AI-driven cyberattack attempts were recorded daily. This scenario highlights the urgent need for dynamic defenses capable of adapting to an environment where attackers can automate and personalize their methods at unprecedented speed.

Q: What key advances has Mexico made in the digitalization of its national digital infrastructure and what technological challenges remain unresolved?

A: Mexico has made significant strides in the digitalization of its national infrastructure, particularly in sectors that are driving innovation and global competitiveness. In financial services, the rapid growth of the fintech ecosystem has revolutionized access to banking and payment systems, positioning Mexico as a regional leader in digital finance. Similarly, in the aerospace industry, strategic collaboration between public and private stakeholders has led to the development of a fully integrated production chain aligned with global standards. Technological infrastructure upgrades, such as advanced radar and control tower systems at AIFA, have further elevated Mexico’s visibility as a hub for high-tech investment.

Despite these achievements, important challenges remain. The digital divide persists limiting equitable access to connectivity, digital education, and essential online services. Multiple sectors continue to face infrastructure and cybersecurity gaps that hinder full digital transformation.

To sustain momentum, Mexico must prioritize the expansion of broadband coverage, the strengthening of cybersecurity capabilities, and the development of digital skills across all regions. Accelerating national digital readiness is not only essential for inclusive development but also critical to ensuring the country’s resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly digital global economy.

Q: What are Thales Group's priorities in Mexico for the second half of 2025 and early 2026 in terms of both technological investment and commercial consolidation?

A: At Thales, we have our sights set on 2025 and 2026 with a clear strategy: to continue supporting Mexico in its decisive moments in strategic sectors. We have walked alongside the country in its evolution and growth for 60 years and that commitment remains as strong as ever. We aim to consolidate our leadership in aerospace by expanding our Mexico-based engineering hub serving Latin America. We will also reinforce our presence in financial services and telecommunications while accelerating our growth in cybersecurity and infrastructure security for airports. We are actively exploring opportunities in aerospace programs and potential industrial expansions to reinforce our long-term footprint in the country.As Mexico continues to establish itself as a digital and industrial powerhouse, Thales reaffirms its commitment to being a long-term strategic partner, investing in talent, innovation, and national resilience, with a forward-looking vision toward six decades of shared progress.