Centre for security

has announced the official opening of its first European centre dedicated to advanced security solutions for citizens, infrastructure and ground transport systems.

The 600m² facility in Vélizy le Bois near Paris employs around 2,000 engineers and experts. Its opening was attended by Jacques Barrot, vice-president of the European Commission Responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security.

Following France’s White Paper on Defence and National Security, Thales has made a strategic commitment to develop and deploy security technologies to the international market. Over 25 per cent of Thales’ revenues come from its security systems, which totalled approximately €3.4bn (£2.5bn) in 2007.

The new interactive centre will develop various security technologies including secure ID document production, protection of energy production, transport infrastructure, airport security, cyber protection and large-scale urban security support.