Dec 8 (Reuters) - THALES SA TCFP.PA :
* SAID ON TUESDAY SMALL ARMS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT TEAM IN LITHGOW IS ABOUT TO DOUBLE
* ANTICIPATES FUTURE TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS OF DIGITISED BATTLESPACE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE (ADF)
* THIS PUSH IS DIRECT RESPONSE TO DRIVE BENEFIT OF NEW MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, NOVEL MATERIALS AND AI - DIRECTOR SOLDIER WEAPONS SYSTEMS AT THALES