Mongolia has signed a contract worth €23 million with the French company Thales for the comprehensive modernization of its air traffic management system. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
A delegation led by Minister of Transport Delgersaikhan Borhuu is currently on an official visit to the French Republic and has signed a comprehensive project agreement worth €23 million with Thales, a leading global technology enterprise, for implementation in the civil aviation sector of Mongolia.
According to the terms of the agreement, key systems and equipment for regional air traffic control centers will be supplied and installed in Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand. Measures to enhance cybersecurity and improve staff qualifications are also included.
Under the financing arrangement, 85% of the total contract amount will be covered by an export credit from Bpifrance, the French state investment bank.
Financing will be carried out through the Trade Development Bank, and the financing agreement was signed by Orkhon Onon, Executive Director of the Trade Development Bank, Ganbold Purevjav, Acting Director of the state-owned enterprise "National Center for Civil Aviation," Yugo Latourette, Financial Director of Bpifrance, and Yuzek Kurp, Vice President of the Thales Group.
Bpifrance is a national bank operating with the support of the French government, financing large strategic projects, providing export credit guarantees, and insurance services. It also supports the growth of companies, innovation, and business development.
During the visit, Minister Delgersaikhan Borhuu also met with Shems Shkiua, Director General of the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC). The parties discussed the prospects for expanding cooperation in civil aviation, as well as exchanging experiences in air navigation services, aviation security, and air traffic management. Opportunities for expert exchanges and joint training sessions were also discussed to adapt reforms in Mongolia's aviation sector to international standards.
On February 19, during the official visit to France, Delgersaikhan met with representatives of Thales Air Mobility Solutions. The meeting addressed issues of cybersecurity and the protection of air navigation systems, as well as the company's experience in this field. Participants listened to reports and exchanged views on air traffic management, navigation infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
As part of the digital transformation of the aviation sector, a Q&A session was held with aviation engineers and technicians focused on implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity policy and enhancing system reliability.
Delgersaikhan noted that the meeting is a significant step towards strengthening the potential for civil aviation security in Mongolia and thanked the management of Thales Air Mobility Solutions for their cooperation. The company also confirmed its readiness for long-term partnership in air navigation management and security within the framework of this project.
