Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has awarded Thales a contract to supply 135 2.75-inch (70-mm) rocket launchers. What is the status of the order? Do you have any other contracts with Indian defence industries in the field of air-launched weaponry?

In order to boost the tactical capabilities of the Indian armed forces, HAL awarded Thales a contract to supply 135 2.75-inch (70-mm) rocket launchers in February last year. Thales’s fully certified, field-proven, competitive rocket launchers are suitable for use on both light and combat helicopters. Thales’s 2.75-inch (70-mm) rocket launchers are produced using composite material, making them an average of 50 per cent lighter than metal launchers, and eliminating corrosion issues. They offer best-in-class precision and reliability, providing crews with optimum support during missions. The delivery of these solutions is on track. The first of four phases is now complete since December 2019, 40 launchers have been produced in Herstal (Belgium) and delivered to the customer. The order should be fully filled by 2022. This contract consolidates Thales’s position in the Indian market. This is bound to boost the tactical capabilities of the forces and provide an excellent fit with its requirements.

Can you elaborate upon your recent collaboration with Kalyani Group for design, development and manufacture of next generation defence systems? What equipment and domain would this include?

Thales joined hands with Kalyani Group in August last year for the design, development and manufacture of ne