Adani Defence Joins Forces with Thales Group to Manufacture 70mm Rockets for Indian Attack Choppers

New Delhi: In a significant step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Adani Defence & Aerospace has joined forces with Thales Group to produce 70mm rockets for India's attack helicopters. Thales, a global leader in 70mm rocket manufacturing, specializes in rockets used against soft and lightly armoured vehicles, air defence facilities, radar sites, and communication installations with laser-guided precision.  

Adani Defence has partnered with Thales, Belgium to establish manufacturing, assembly, and testing capabilities in India under the Buy Indian category of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This exclusive partnership for India also opens avenues for exports, leveraging the competitive supply chain within the country.  

India's Attack Helicopter Fleet  

India's attack helicopter fleet includes the HAL Rudra (an attack variant of the Dhruv chopper), the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, the Apache AH-64, and the Mi-35 helicopters. The indigenously built LCH Prachand, inducted into the Air Force in 2022, is versatile in roles such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), destruction of enemy air defence (DEAD), and counter-insurgency (CI) operations.

Recent global events have underscored the importance of short-range air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities from rotary wing platforms across various terrains and frontiers. This capability is critical for the Indian Armed Forces, sources indicated.  

Combat-Proven Rockets Integrated in Current Fleet  

The 70mm unguided rockets from Thales, already integrated and deployed in the current fleet of ALH and Light Combat Helicopters, have been combat-proven worldwide. The Indian Armed Forces have received a substantial quantity of these rockets under global buy arrangements in the past. The recurring need for 70mm rockets, akin to ammunition, will remain a cornerstone of India's combat capabilities for rotary wing assets.

The 70mm unguided rockets are deployed using launchers fitted on either side of the helicopter, featuring configurations of seven, 12, and 19 ready-to-fire tubes. The collaboration also includes next-generation guided rockets, which will enhance the Indian defence ecosystem.  

Earlier this month, Adani Defence and Aerospace signed a landmark agreement with EDGE Group, a leading advanced technology and defence group in the UAE. This agreement aims to create a global platform leveraging both companies' capabilities to meet global and local customer needs.  

R&D and Production Facilities  

The partnership will explore the establishment of R&D facilities in India and the UAE and set up development, production, and maintenance facilities for defence and aerospace solutions. These initiatives will serve not only the Indian and UAE markets but also Southeast Asia and other global markets.

The collaboration with Thales is anticipated to generate numerous employment opportunities, significantly boosting India's defence manufacturing sector. By reducing reliance on imports and fostering technological advancements, this partnership will enhance India's defence infrastructure and support economic growth. "We congratulate the Adani Group on this partnership. Together, we seek to contribute to the further growth and success of India's defence sector," stated Thales Group.