In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, Thales, a prominent international technology and defense company, has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to supply the initial batch of Laser Beam Riding Man (LBRM) Portable Air Defence systems. This collaboration comes in response to a request from the Indian government for high-velocity missiles, specifically the STARStreak system, and their associated launchers. The first deliveries are scheduled for this year, marking a historic moment as it will be the missile’s inaugural delivery to India.
The partnership between Thales and BDL formally began in 2021 when both organizations signed an agreement aimed at enhancing India’s air defense capabilities. This initiative has received support from both the Indian and UK governments, reflecting a commitment to bolster defense relations as well as technological collaboration between the two nations. The LBRM system is highly regarded for its precision and its ability to resist countermeasures, making it a robust addition to India’s defense arsenal.
Commodore A Madhavarao (Ret.), Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the agreement, stating, “We are pleased to take our collaboration with Thales to this next significant step.” He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the Indian government’s “Make in India,” “ease of doing business,” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” programs, which aim to boost local industry through strategic partnerships with global entities such as Thales.
The STARStreak missile is designed to counter a variety of aerial threats, including fixed-wing fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and drones. In keeping with the goals of indigenization, the partnership is expected to ensure that up to 60 percent of the missile components will be sourced locally within India, alongside a transfer of essential technology. Production capabilities will also be scaled up at the Thales site in Belfast, where the LBRM system is engineered.
UK Minister of State for Defence Vernon Coaker commented on the significance of the collaboration, saying, “This exciting collaboration is just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India.” He emphasized that this agreement not only supports India’s air defense capabilities but also serves as a vital engine for economic growth, furthering the government’s initiatives for change.
The STARStreak missile system is characterized by its versatility, featuring a launcher capable of firing three missiles in rapid succession without the need for reloading. It can be deployed from a shoulder-fired position or mounted on lightweight wheeled vehicles, allowing for a quick assembly and readiness to fire within seconds. An additional version of the system is mounted on the tracked Stormer armored vehicle, which can carry eight rounds ready to fire and an extra twelve rounds stored within the vehicle. Weighing approximately 14 kilograms, the STARStreak has an effective firing range of up to 7 kilometers (4.34 miles) and can operate at a flight ceiling of 7 kilometers, further solidifying its role as a critical asset in modern air defense operations.
