PMA-213, Thales restore TACAN fleet readiness through performance-to-plan framework. by DVIDS September 23, 2026 PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE (AVIATION), Patuxent River, Md. - Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system production is stabilizing under a joint initiative between the U.S. Navy and Thales USA Inc., eliminating production bottlenecks and securing long-term fleet readiness across Navy and interagency platforms. A collaborative performance-to-plan (P2P) strategy, developed by the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213), optimizes program execution. This strategy resolves supply chain disruptions and eliminates maintenance bottlenecks that arose during the integration of key navigation aids supplier lines. TACAN systems - primarily the AN/URN-32 and AN/URN-33 systems - serve as vital navigational beacons for naval aviators. Transmitting critical direction and distance data, the systems guide aircraft safely through adverse weather, night operations and degraded environments back to ships and shore installations. Supply chain bottlenecks and corporate transition barriers previously led to a delivery deficit in critical High-Power Amplifiers (HPA), challenging fleet readiness. To sustain continuity, PMA-213 and Thales implemented a data-driven P2P strategy, partnering directly with Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and the U.S. Coast Guard to orchestrate a multipronged recovery plan. * Using a tiered hardware strategy, program engineers reallocated Series 1 HPAs from land-based sites to immediately replenish operational fleet requirements at sea, while outfitting new-construction hulls with modern, next-generation Series 2 configurations. * Thales expanded throughput at its facility by investing in dedicated test benches and specialized personnel to accelerate repairs. * The engineering team fielded targeted software updates to align user interfaces across both hardware generations while streamlining data requirements to lower long-term sustainment costs. "By moving away from traditional contracting to a rigorous P2P framework, we turned transparent data into decisive action," said Capt. Walter B. Massenburg Jr., PMA-213 program manager. "Thales worked directly with the government to address structural production and repair challenges, resolving hurdles and accelerating deliveries to our fleet and interagency partners." The recovery drew on an enterprise-wide coalition across the naval aviation and maritime infrastructure, including NAVSUP, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Webster Outlying Field and the Coast Guard. "Our partnership is built on a shared commitment to warfighter readiness," said Sonu Goel, Thales vice president. "By resolving supply chain challenges, investing in dedicated production capacity and aligning our software and hardware, we are strengthening the resilience of the TACAN system to support the fleet and joint partners." With production lead times normalized and maintenance backlogs cleared, the metrics-driven P2P framework deployed by PMA-213 and Thales serves as an acquisition and sustainment blueprint for managing complex defense industrial base transitions. About PMA-213 The Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213) leads the acquisition, development and life-cycle sustainment of air traffic management, shipboard landing and expeditionary air traffic control systems. PMA-213 equips Navy, Marine Corps and allied forces with reliable, secure and interoperable systems that ensure safe flight operations in all operating environments.

Marine Corps combat vehicles to receive Thales dual-band thermal and visible imaging systems. (IN BRIEF) Thales Defense & Security, Inc. has received an order for more than 400 SharpView Dual Camera - Minerva imagers for U.S. Marine Corps combat vehicles. The systems will support the modernisation of Amphibious Combat Vehicle Personnel and Command variants by replacing or augmenting legacy camera systems with advanced dual-band imaging technology. The Minerva camera combines thermal and visible imaging in a compact sensor, helping crews operate in darkness, dust, smoke, glare, adverse weather and other degraded visual conditions. Thales said the technology improves situational awareness, obstacle detection, crew confidence and survivability, while offering the Marine Corps a mature solution that can be fielded without developing a new system from scratch. (PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 12-Aug-2026 - /EuropaWire/ - Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Thales, has received an order for more than 400 SharpView Dual Camera - Minerva imagers for U.S. Marine Corps combat vehicles. The order supports the Marine Corps' modernisation of its Amphibious Combat Vehicle Personnel and Command variants, known as ACV-P and ACV-C. The Minerva imagers will augment legacy camera systems with advanced dual-band imaging technology designed to improve situational awareness and support safer, more efficient vehicle operation. The SharpView Dual Camera - Minerva combines thermal and visible imaging capabilities in a single compact sensor. This enables combat vehicle crews to maintain clearer vision in demanding operating environments, including darkness, dust, smoke, glare and adverse weather. By improving image quality under severely degraded visual conditions, the system helps Marines identify obstacles sooner, navigate more effectively and maintain battlefield awareness during day and night operations. Chris Beauparant, Vice President, Sensors and Missile Systems at Thales Defense & Security, Inc., said Marines depend on advanced and rugged technology to make rapid decisions in complex and fast-changing environments. He said the Minerva camera gives crews a more complete view of the battlefield, helping them detect hazards earlier, manoeuvre more effectively and operate with greater confidence. Beauparant added that the Marine Corps can field these capabilities quickly by using a mature and proven solution, avoiding the time, cost and risk involved in developing a new system. The SharpView Dual Camera - Minerva has been designed specifically for modern combat vehicles. Its compact configuration allows it to integrate into existing vehicle platforms, while its military-grade ruggedness supports continuous operation in extreme environments. The system provides clear, real-time imagery to help crews maintain awareness and respond effectively as conditions change. Thales said the selection of Minerva for Marine Corps combat vehicles reflects increasing demand for systems that improve battlefield awareness and survivability for deployed forces. The system has also been selected for evaluation and testing under the U.S. Army's XM30 programme, which is focused on next-generation combat vehicle modernisation with improved crew protection and situational awareness. Thales brings more than 30 years of expertise in cooled and uncooled thermal imaging technologies. The company supplies combat-proven imaging and sensor solutions to more than 50 armed forces worldwide. Its systems are designed to protect crews, improve vehicle performance and support operational readiness in challenging defence environments. Through the order for Minerva imagers, Thales is strengthening its role in the modernisation of military vehicle vision systems and supporting the U.S. Marine Corps' efforts to enhance combat vehicle awareness, mobility and crew protection. About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion. Recent images of Thales and its Defense, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital activities can be found on the Thales Media Library. For any specific requests, please contact the Media Relations team. About Thales in the U.S. For more than a century, Thales has delivered proven, trusted and secure solutions to customers across the United States. The company brings a strong national footprint and a deeply skilled workforce dedicated to anticipating and exceeding customer needs. Backed by extensive manufacturing capabilities, Thales works closely with customers and local industries to solve complex challenges for every operational environment. Media Contact: MORE ON THALES, ETC.: EDITOR'S PICK: