Introduction
In a significant move towards advancing India's defence capabilities and promoting domestic manufacturing, Adani Defence has entered into a partnership with French aerospace giant Thales Group. This collaboration aims to manufacture 70mm rocket systems in India, aligning with the government's Make-in-India initiative and the push for "Atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in the defence sector.
In 2022, the indigenously built LCH Prachand were inducted into the Air Force | NDTV
The Adani-Thales Partnership
Ashish Saraf, the head of Thales India, announced the partnership with enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Adani Group in India. We look forward to collaborating on the manufacturing of Thales' 70mm rockets in India." This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Thales' ongoing support for the Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat visions, which seek to bolster India's growing defence industry.
The partnership is not only crucial for Thales' commitment to India but also serves to strengthen the company's global partner network. By joining forces with Adani Defence, Thales aims to contribute to the growth and success of India's defence sector, fostering innovation and technological advancement within the country.
Previous Collaborations and Agreements
The Adani-Thales partnership builds upon previous collaborations between Thales and Indian defence entities. In February 2023, Thales Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a defence public sector undertaking. This agreement focused on establishing manufacturing facilities in India for precision-strike 70mm laser-guided rockets (FZ275 LGR).
Under the BDL agreement, the Indian company would become part of the global supply chain for FZ275 LGR, opening up opportunities for exporting Indian-manufactured components to existing and future customers of 70mm laser-guided rockets. Additionally, the BDL-manufactured 70mm laser-guided rocket solution would be provided to the Indian Air Force for use in their existing fleet of Advanced Light Helicopters (WSI) and Light Combat Helicopters.
Thales Group's Expertise in Rocket Systems
Thales Group is renowned as a market leader in 2.75-inch/70mm Rocket Systems, Launcher and Firing Control Systems. Their expertise in this field makes them an ideal partner for India's efforts to enhance its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration with Adani Defence is expected to bring cutting-edge technology and know-how to India's defence sector.
The partnership between Adani Defence and Thales Group will focus on manufacturing both unguided and laser-guided 70mm rocket systems. These systems offer versatile capabilities for various military operations:
Some of the key features of unguided rockets are;
1. Higher standard of interoperability, with successful integration on multiple platforms, including launchers, airborne and ground-combat platforms, and Remote Weapon Stations.
2. Used for area saturation in symmetric warfare and direct and indirect fire support.
3. Available in configurations of seven, 12, and 19 tube launchers fitted on either side of a helicopter.
Some of the key features of laser-guided rockets;
1. Enable multiple missions with precision laser guidance, insensitive to jamming.
2. Considered the lightest, shortest, and most versatile 70mm laser-guided rocket.
3. Can be deployed in day and night operations at ranges between 1.5m and 7km (on helicopters).
4. Provide the most precise ammunition delivery to targets.
Importance of 70mm Rockets in India's Defence Strategy
Recent global events have reinforced the focus on short-range air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities from rotary-wing platforms across various terrains and frontiers. The fulfillment of this capability is critical for the Indian Armed Forces. Sources indicate that the requirement for 70mm rockets, similar to ammunition, is recurring and will be a mainstay of India's combat capabilities for rotary-wing assets.
Thales' 70mm unguided rockets have already been successfully integrated and deployed in the current fleet of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). These rockets have been combat-proven worldwide, and the Indian Armed Forces have previously procured a significant quantity through global purchases. The new partnership aims to localize production and enhance India's self-reliance in this crucial area of defence technology.
Indian Air Force Strengthens Fleet with Prachand Helicopters
In October 2022, the Indian Air Force took a significant step forward by inducting the first batch of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters. This induction addressed a critical need that became apparent during the Kargil War in 1999, which highlighted the necessity for a lightweight, homegrown helicopter capable of performing in diverse battle scenarios.
The Prachand helicopter is designed to operate in all regions, from cold altitudes to desert terrains, making it a versatile asset in India's defense strategy. This addition to the Indian Air Force's fleet represents a major advancement in the country's rotary-wing capabilities and demonstrates the progress made in indigenous defence manufacturing.
Current Helicopter Fleet of Indian Armed Forces
To put the importance of these rocket systems in context, it's essential to understand the current helicopter fleet of the Indian Armed Forces:
1. Indian Army: Operates 180 Dhruv helicopters, including 60 weaponized Rudra variants, which are crucial for reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare, and close air support.
2. Indian Air Force: Maintains a fleet of 75 Dhruv helicopters.
3. Indian Navy: Operates 23 Dhruv helicopters.
The integration of advanced 70mm rocket systems into these existing platforms, as well as new additions like the Prachand, will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of India's armed forces across all branches.
Boost to Local Manufacturing
The partnership between Thales and Adani Defence is designed to give a substantial push to local manufacturing in India's defence sector. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the government's Make-in-India initiative and the broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production.
Adani Defence has joined hands with Thales to manufacture 70mm rockets for Rudra and Prachand helicopters. File photo: Prakash Singh (BLOOMBERG)
By manufacturing these rocket systems within India, the country stands to benefit in several ways:
1. Reduced dependence on foreign imports for critical defence technologies
2. Development of local expertise and skills in advanced manufacturing
3. Potential for export of Indian-made components and systems
4. Strengthening of the domestic defence industrial base
5. Job creation in the high-tech manufacturing sector
Conclusion
The partnership between Adani Defence and Thales Group represents a significant step forward in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By bringing together Thales' global expertise in rocket systems with Adani's industrial capabilities, this collaboration has the potential to transform India's defence sector. As India continues to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defence capabilities, partnerships like these will play a crucial role in achieving the country's strategic objectives. The production of 70mm rocket systems on Indian soil will not only boost the nation's military preparedness but also contribute to the growth of its defence industry ecosystem.
The success of this initiative could pave the way for further collaborations and innovations in India's defence sector, ultimately strengthening the country's position as a major player in the global defence market. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to observe its impact on India's defence capabilities and its progress towards achieving true self-reliance in this critical sector.
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