Tony Walton (Photo: BAE Systems)
New Delhi: The global defence, aerospace and security company – BAE Systems, has appointed Tony Walton as the managing director for India, effective immediately.
Based in New Delhi, Tony will oversee the company’s in-country operations, with a focus on supporting existing hardware deployments, identifying new business opportunities, and deepening collaboration with India’s defence sector.
Tony brings over 30 years of experience spanning international defence industry roles and a distinguished military career. He joined BAE Systems in 2022, most recently leading Guided Weapons and Autonomy campaigns in Australia.
Before that, he spent eight years at Thales Australia as Bid Director within the Vehicles and Tactical Systems business line, managing a broad portfolio that included Australian Munitions, Explosive Ordnance Services, Lithgow Arms, and Protected Vehicles.
Earlier in his career, Tony served as Director of Innovation at General Dynamics European Land Systems in Switzerland, where he drove product development and technology initiatives across Austria, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.
He began his professional life as a Royal Australian Navy officer, serving across a range of operational sea and shore postings. He is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Natasha Pheiffer, Managing Director Asia at BAE Systems, highlighted India's strategic importance to the company: “Our global technology offering spans air, land, sea, space, and cyber. With Tony's leadership and experience, we are well-positioned to grow our partnership with Indian defence companies.”
Tony expressed his commitment to the role: “I’m honoured to lead BAE Systems in India during such a pivotal period. We are dedicated to supporting the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces and advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision through local manufacturing partnerships and export opportunities.”
