Adani Defence and Aerospace has signed a landmark agreement with France’s Thales Group to manufacture 70mm rockets for the Indian Air Force’s Rudra and Prachand helicopters, advancing the Make in India initiative and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat goals.
Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defence, transportation, and security, will collaborate with Adani Defence to produce these rockets domestically. These rockets will equip the HAL Rudra and Prachand helicopters, key assets for the Indian Air Force.
Key Points of the Partnership:
70mm Rocket Production: The tie-up aims to locally manufacture 70mm rockets for HAL Rudra and Prachand helicopters, enhancing Bharat’s self-reliance in defence equipment.
Prachand Helicopter: The light combat helicopter (LCH) Prachand is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of landing and taking off at altitudes of 5,000 metres, vital for Bharat’s defence strategies. It can also carry a substantial load of weapons and fuel.
Rudra Helicopter: Rudra, a more weaponised version of the advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, plays a crucial role in reconnaissance missions, troop transport, anti-tank warfare, and close air support.
Historical Context: The need for a lightweight, homegrown helicopter became apparent during the Kargil War in 1999, highlighting the importance of versatile aircraft for various battle scenarios.
Current Fleet: The Indian Army currently operates 180 Dhruvs, including 60 Rudras. The Indian Air Force has 75, while the Navy has 23.
Local Manufacturing Push: The Thales-Adani partnership is expected to boost local manufacturing capabilities in Bharat’s defence sector.
Statements from Thales: Thales emphasised the importance of this partnership for their commitment to Bharat and the strengthening of their global partner network. They acknowledged this move as a significant milestone for Bharat’s defence sector’s growth and self-reliance.
The agreement highlights Bharat’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign imports, aligning with the broader objectives of the Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives.
