New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS): European defence firm Thales, which is supplying the radar and electronics equipment for 36 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets that India is buying from France, on Friday appointed Emmanuel de Roquefeuil as its new country head.

In a statement, the defence electronics firm said that Emmanuel, in his new role as the Country Head, "will lead and drive Thales' growth in the country and also realise the Group's overall goal of 'Make in India' and export from India" -- a major initiative of the Indian government to facilitate investment and boost manufacturing in the country.

Emmanuel said he was "honoured to be entrusted with the role of leading Thales in India at a time when we are poised to scale new heights in our partnership and collaboration with the country".

He said he was looking forward to working with his team in India and "entities across the world to deliver on our commitment in the coming years".

Emmanuel succeeds Antoine Caput with effect from February 1.

Thales equipments will constitute 25 per cent of the value of the $8.9 billion deal for 36 Rafale combat jets that India and France signed last year. The company is also involved in more than Rs 10,000 crore worth of the Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 upgrade programme.

Thales has been operational in India since 1953 and has over 300 employees working with its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary, Thales India Pvt. Ltd. based in New Delhi.