In a pivotal development for India’s air defence capabilities, Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have finalized an agreement to supply Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) to the Indian Ministry of Defence. The announcement, made on 11 February 2025, signifies a substantial enhancement in military collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.
This recent agreement builds upon a Partnership Agreement established in 2021 between Thales and BDL, with the endorsement of both the Indian and UK governments. The objective is to further the development and integration of LBRM systems into India’s military framework. The supply will include Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles and launchers, which are expected to bolster India’s air defence capabilities with cutting-edge technology known for its accuracy and resilience against countermeasures.
The LBRM systems feature up to 60% of their components manufactured locally, effectively addressing multiple aerial threats including fixed-wing aircraft, late-unmasking attack helicopters, and drones. This initiative is in line with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programs, promoting self-reliance and encouraging domestic manufacturing within the defence sector.
The formal signing of this agreement took place in Bengaluru on 10 February 2025. The initial batch of High Velocity Missiles, known as STARStreak, along with their launchers, is slated for delivery later this year. This introduction marks the commencement of a new era in India’s defence arsenal, aimed at long-term collaborative growth between Thales and BDL and facilitating technology transfer to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Lord Vernon Coaker, the UK Minister of State for Defence, underscored the importance of this partnership, stating, “This exciting collaboration not only enhances India’s air defence capability but also fortifies the UK-India defence relationship, supporting global security and fostering economic growth.”
Pascale Sourisse, President and CEO of Thales International, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting it as a vital contribution to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. She noted that this contract enriches the UK-India strategic partnership and is poised to have significant implications for India’s air defence landscape.
Cmde A Madhavarao (retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, aligned the initiative with national objectives, stating, “Our collaboration with Thales amplifies our presence in the defence ecosystem and supports the government’s initiatives, further strengthening local industries through global partnerships.”
Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK, remarked, “This contract marks a significant advancement in our partnership with India. Thales’ expertise in air defence promises to deliver crucial, battle-tested capabilities to Indian Armed Forces.”
The STARStreak missiles, part of the LBRM system, are recognized as some of the fastest in their category, able to exceed speeds of Mach 3.0, making them highly effective against rapidly emerging threats. This agreement not only highlights the robust military ties between India and the UK but also reflects Thales’ longstanding commitment to the Indian defence sector, which has spanned over 70 years.
Thales, a global pioneer in advanced defence technologies, has been a significant player in India’s defence framework since 1953. With over 2,200 employees in the country, Thales continues to contribute substantially to various sectors including defence, aerospace, and digital security. Bharat Dynamics Limited, founded in 1970, is instrumental in the manufacture of sophisticated missile systems and related defence equipment for the Indian Armed Forces.
Overall, this agreement heralds a new chapter in the strategic partnership between India and the UK, reaffirming their collective commitment to global security and innovation in defence technology.
