Nexter, a KNDS company, announced it will supply 10 THL 20 remotely-operated turrets helicopter of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The THL20 turret is armed with Nexter’s 20M621 20mm cannon, which fires NATO-compatible 20x102mm ammunition. Ultra-light, it is controlled by the pilot’s helmet and the helicopter’s optronic system.
Thanks to these features, the THL20 can engage targets at up to 2000m with the utmost precision. This easy-to-integrate turret is therefore an ideal solution for upgrading helicopters already in service.
The THL20 is the main armament of the Indian Army’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). It currently equips a fleet of 110 aircraft.
This new order is part of the long-standing relationship between Nexter and HAL, which began in 2006 with the qualification and commissioning of the THL20 on Indian Army helicopters.
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,000 employees, with a 2022 turnover of 3.2 billion euro, an order backlog of around 11 billion euro and incoming orders of 3.4 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe.
The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
