HKVAX boosts digital asset security with Thales. August 28, 2026 Hong Kong-based Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VTAP) HKVAX has selected Thales Luna Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to strengthen the security and compliance of its digital asset custody infrastructure. Operating under the Securities and Futures Commission's rigorous regulatory framework, HKVAX required a cryptographic foundation capable of addressing evolving cyber risks to private keys, smart contracts, and custodial systems. The company selected Thales Luna HSMs based on their FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation and ability to support regulatory-grade deployments across its multi-tier wallet architecture. "Thales Luna HSMs stood out because it is among the first vendors to achieve FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validation, with a strong track record in securing critical systems for financial institutions and governments," said Jack Zhou, CIO at HKVAX. "Using Thales Luna HSM gives both us and our clients confidence in the security of our platform." HKVAX integrated Luna HSMs across its custody environment to support key generation, storage, and transaction signing, alongside its multi-tier wallet architecture, including hot and cold wallet separation and role-based access controls. Key outcomes from the deployment included: * Hardware-backed key protection: Centralised private key generation, storage, and transaction signing within FIPS 140-3 Level 3 validated hardware, isolating cryptographic keys from software environments and privileged access. * Regulatory compliance and auditability: Successfully passed independent security audits, with automated key management processes and hardware-backed audit evidence meeting SFC regulatory expectations. * Operational resilience: Strengthened custody architecture through cold and hot wallet separation, role-based access controls, disaster-recovery protocols, and reduced manual intervention across key management workflows. * Customer and partner confidence: Increased trust in the security of HKVAX's platform, supporting the company's growth as a regulated digital asset provider in Hong Kong. "As a licensed VATP in Hong Kong, safeguarding client assets is our top priority. Using Thales Luna HSM gives both us and our clients strong confidence in the security of our platform," said Zhou. Looking ahead, HKVAX is preparing for emerging cybersecurity challenges including AI-driven threats and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) readiness.

ASTEELFLASH receives prestigious Competitiveness Award from Thales. Aug 26, 2026. Nicolas DENIS receiving the competitiveness award from Roque Carmona, SVP, Group CPO of Thales Saint-Cloud, France - 17 Oct, 2024 - ASTEELFLASH, a leading global provider of electronics manufacturing services (EMS), is proud to announce it was awarded the Competitiveness Award by Thales, one of the world's foremost defence contractors, at the Global Supplier Conference held on 9 October in Vélizy, France. This recognition highlights ASTEELFLASH's commitment to excellence, innovation, and operational efficiency in supporting the defence sector. The award was presented in recognition of ASTEELFLASH's ability to consistently deliver high-quality services while maintaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Thales acknowledged ASTEELFLASH for its outstanding performance in areas such as cost-effectiveness, timely delivery, quality, technological innovation, and adherence to strict industry standards. "We are incredibly honored to receive this award from Thales," said Nicolas DENIS, CEO of ASTEELFLASH. "This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication to providing the defence sector with best-in-class manufacturing solutions to. It also underscores our commitment to proactively meeting the high demands of our customers through agility, innovation, efficiency, and unwavering quality standards." In addition to operational excellence, ASTEELFLASH was also recognised for its strong commitment to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards. The company places great importance on minimising environmental impact, ensuring workplace safety, and promoting sustainability in all aspects of its operations. By integrating EHS best practices into its manufacturing processes, ASTEELFLASH demonstrates its leadership in building a safer, more sustainable future for the defence industry and beyond, contributing to Thales's aim to "build a future we can all trust". The partnership between ASTEELFLASH and Thales has grown stronger over theyears, driven by shared values of high technology, reliability, precision, and continuous improvement. As the defence industry continues to evolve with advancing technologies, ASTEELFLASH remains committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, providing tailored solutions that meet the complex needs of its customers. With a global footprint and expertise in a wide range of sectors, including defence, aerospace, and industrial electronics, ASTEELFLASH continues to lead the EMS industry by driving innovation and maintaining a strong competitive position in the global market.

Israel's IAI and Thales to build Nigeria's next comm satellites in a $2 Billion deal. Yuval Azulay 22:44, 25.08.26 Nigeria's national satellite operator, NIGCOMSAT, is expected to purchase two communications satellites from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and French-Italian group Thales in two deals whose combined value is estimated at around $2 billion. IAI will manufacture the NigComSat-2A satellite, scheduled for launch in 2028, as part of an effort to replace Nigeria's current communications satellite as it approaches the end of its operational life. The emerging deal with IAI, which is taking shape in Africa, was disclosed by Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director of Nigeria's satellite company, in a post on her LinkedIn profile. According to Egerton-Idehen, the procurement and deployment of the satellites were approved by Nigeria's Federal Executive Council, as part of the country's investment in "our digital sovereignty." The deal would mark a significant milestone for IAI's Space Division, strengthening its position in the communications satellite market following a period of business uncertainty. Nigeria's primary satellite operator, NIGCOMSAT, is set to purchase two communications satellites from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the French-Italian group Thales under two separate agreements that, according to estimates, could have a combined value of approximately $2 billion. Nigeria has not disclosed the value of the agreements. Each of the two companies is expected to supply Nigeria with an advanced communications satellite in the coming years, with each satellite costing several hundred million dollars. According to reports in Nigeria, IAI will manufacture the NigComSat-2A satellite, scheduled for launch in 2028, while Thales will supply the NigComSat-2B satellite, scheduled for launch in 2029. The satellite supplied by IAI is expected to replace Nigeria's existing NigComSat-1R communications satellite, which is approaching the end of its operational lifespan. NIGCOMSAT is based in Abuja and has been responsible for managing Nigeria's communications satellite program for the past two decades. According to the company's managing director, "the approval we have received is a milestone, and delivery is the mission." She added that "the planned deployment of the satellites will increase our capacity to expand broadband connectivity, support critical sectors of our economy, unlock new opportunities, and position Nigeria as a more significant player in the digital economy and Africa's emerging space economy." IAI did not comment on reports in Nigeria regarding the prospective deal. IAI manufactured the Amos series of communications satellites at its space facility and successfully launched the "Dror 1" communications satellite last summer, after developing it for use by Israeli government ministries. The need for the order increased following the crisis that has affected IAI's communications satellite business in recent years. The background included the explosion of the Amos-6 satellite before its launch in the United States and the decision by Israeli satellite operator Spacecom to purchase its next satellite from a U.S. manufacturer rather than from IAI. The prospective deal could significantly improve the level of certainty for IAI executives CEO Guy Bar-Lev and Chairman Boaz Levy regarding the future of the company's communications satellite business. In parallel, IAI is conducting negotiations with Azerbaijan over a possible deal to supply a new communications satellite, potentially worth nearly $1 billion. The emerging deal could also be unusual from a geographic perspective. Africa is not a major consumer of Israeli defense equipment, particularly advanced systems. In 2025, Israeli defense exports reached an all-time high of more than $19 billion, while countries in sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 2% of the total, representing deals worth around $400 million.