France bundles Thales support contracts PARIS, June 18 (UPI) -- France's Ministry of Defense has contracted Thales for support services for company electronic systems aboard its military aircraft. The five-year contract is known as MOREAT and combines several earlier contracts. No monetary value was given. Under the award, Thales will provide technical and logistic support and through-life support services to Thales electronic warfare systems and nose-mounted radars aboard some 20 types of aircraft, including Mirage 2000s, ATL2s, C160/C130s and Pumas. Support for equipment on board the Rafale fighter, however, remains under earlier, separate contracts. "Thales will also be in charge of the entire supply chain, and will continue to work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises in line with the recent bilateral agreement between the Defense Ministry and the Thales Group," the company said. A Thales representative will be assigned to work on base to maintain close contact with users.