French multinational aerospace and defence firm Thales announced on Tuesday a 57% increase in first-half profit and confirmed 2024 targets. The company reported a first-half consolidated net income, group share, of €1.02 billion ($1.1 billion). Earnings per share were €4.93 compared to €3.09. Adjusted net income, group share, was €866 million, compared to €819 million. Adjusted net income, group share, per share was €4.21, up 8% from €3.91. Sales for the first half were €9.49 billion, compared with €8.72 billion in the prior year, an increase of 8.9% as reported, or up 6% at constant scope and…