French defence and aerospace group Thales said Tuesday its sales slipped 1.0 percent last year to 13 billion euros, but that it expected to boost its operating margin to six percent this year.

The company, which announces annual results on March 6, said orders rose one 1.0 percent to 13.2 billion euros in 2011.

It said it expected to continue to improve its operating margin from 5.0 percent in 2011 to 6.0 percent in 2012.