In the heart of Bouches-du-Rhône, at the sites of Gémenos and La Ciotat, Thales is revolutionizing the world of digital identity. By anticipating the imminent arrival of the dematerialized passport, expected in 2026 in Europe, the French group embodies the forefront of digital authentication. Benefiting from technological advancements in the United States and Australia, Thales offers solutions that include the integration of identification elements via smartphones. With the ability to link driver’s licenses and other documents, biometric security finds a new dimension. The company, a pioneer in chip cards, continues to evolve by shaping the future contours of digital security.
In Bouches-du-Rhône, at its sites in Gémenos and La Ciotat, Thales continually pushes the boundaries of innovation in digital security. The French giant is preparing to offer an electronic passport, which will soon be a reality thanks to an upcoming European regulation set for 2026. These dematerialized passports will allow European citizens to validate their identity using just their smartphone, similar to the solutions already available in the United States or Australia.
Thales is not only focused on passports but is also producing bank cards, representing one in three cards in France, within specialized laboratories that continue to modernize. With the production of secure elements like the eSIM card, the company plays a leading role in the transition to a more connected and secure world. This technological dynamism is especially embodied in their commitment to developing trustworthy artificial intelligence, ensuring the protection of user data.
thales transforms the digital identity industry
Thales, a major player in the field of digital security, is actively committed to revolutionizing the way we perceive personal identification. At its sites in Gémenos and La Ciotat, located in southern France, the company is preparing for the implementation of the dematerialized passport, an innovation expected in 2026 in Europe. This initiative, already underway in the United States and Australia, marks a turning point towards an increasingly digitized society. By leveraging its cutting-edge technologies, Thales aims to simplify identification processes while enhancing security and reliability.
the production and assembly of smart cards
Every month, approximately 20 million cards are manufactured solely in Gémenos for the banking sector. Thales ensures meticulous production: the chip is first glued onto a roll of metalized film, then an electrical connection is made through welding with a pure gold wire. These cards are then coated and secured before being personalized in the customer’s name. With the capacity to produce one in three bank cards in France, Thales demonstrates its mastery of the production chain from its facilities in Tours and Gémenos. The shift to a cardless payment environment underscores the transition towards a gradual dematerialization, foreshadowing the card and passport of the future.
digital ambitions and ongoing innovations
As part of the rise of dematerialization, the chip card is gradually evolving towards fully digital services. Solutions like eSIM and Apple Pay reflect this paradigm shift. In La Ciotat, a nerve center for Thales’ innovation, engineers are focusing on the development of advanced systems, such as image recognition for drones and securing airborne communications. Such innovations ensure a smooth transition to a future where technology safeguards our daily digital security. With its 6000 cybersecurity experts, Thales asserts its leadership position in designing a trustworthy artificial intelligence.
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