THALES TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS GMBH

Their core work

Thales Transportation Systems GmbH is the German railway signalling arm of the Thales Group, a major global defence and technology corporation. They develop and deliver train control and signalling systems — including ETCS, CBTC, and ERTMS — that keep rail networks safe and efficient. Their H2020 work focuses on next-generation signalling: satellite-based train positioning, automatic train operation, and cyber-secure moving block systems under the Shift2Rail programme. They bring large-scale industrial engineering and system integration capability to European railway modernization.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early projects (2015–2016) concentrated on foundational GNSS-based train positioning and traditional ERTMS/ETCS signalling validation (STARS, IN2RAIL). By 2016–2017, their focus shifted decisively toward the Shift2Rail programme's IP2 agenda — automatic train operation, moving block, cyber security, and system integration testing (X2Rail-1, X2RAIL-2). This trajectory shows a clear move from validating satellite positioning technology toward building fully integrated, automated, and cyber-resilient next-generation signalling systems.

Thales Transportation is moving toward fully automated, satellite-positioned, cyber-secure railway signalling — making them a strong partner for any project targeting digital rail transformation.

How they like to work

Thales Transportation operates exclusively as a participant or third party — they have not coordinated any H2020 projects, which is typical for large industrial companies contributing domain expertise rather than managing research programmes. With 95 unique partners across 16 countries, they are deeply embedded in European rail research consortia, particularly the Shift2Rail ecosystem. Their consistent presence in large-scale collaborative projects suggests they are a reliable, well-connected industrial partner rather than an academic lead.

Extensive network of 95 unique consortium partners spanning 16 countries, heavily concentrated in the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking ecosystem. This gives them strong connections across European rail operators, signalling competitors, universities, and railway infrastructure managers.

What sets them apart

As the German signalling division of Thales Group, they combine the resources of a global defence-tech corporation with deep specialization in European railway standards (ETCS, ERTMS). Their dual expertise in satellite positioning and train control systems places them at the intersection of space technology and rail transport — a rare combination. For consortium builders, they bring industrial-grade system integration, access to the broader Thales ecosystem, and credibility with railway operators and infrastructure managers.

Highlights from their portfolio

• X2Rail-1
  Largest funding (EUR 1.94M) — the flagship Shift2Rail project for advanced signalling covering ATO, moving block, and IP communication.
• X2RAIL-2
  Continued the X2Rail programme into satellite positioning, cyber security, and formal methods — shows deepening commitment to next-gen rail.
• STARS
  Focused specifically on GNSS for railway signalling — a niche where space technology meets rail safety, demonstrating cross-sector capability.