- Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will provide a first supply of Laser Beam Riding MANPAD (LBRM) Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missiles and launchers to the Indian Ministry of Defence. This is a major success, following on from the signing of the Partnership Agreement in 2021 between Thales and BDL to work on the LBRM, with the support of the Indian and UK Governments.
- This agreement will improve India’s Air Defence capabilities to enable them to enhance their national security with a highly accurate and countermeasure-resistant up-to-date technology.
- LBRM, manufactured up to 60% in India, are short-range, man-portable, air-defence systems and optimised to provide defence against air threats, including fixed-wing Fighter Ground Attack aircraft and late unmasking Attack Helicopters, as well as drones.
Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are proud to
announce the signing of an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence
systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to
support India’s air defence capabilities.
This initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers will be delivered this
year and represents the first time that India has received this latest VSHORAD capability. This step confirms the foundation of a long-term collaboration and manufacturing partnership between Thales and BDL. In the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership will serve the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence.
Thales, together with BDL, is committed to the transfer of technology (ToT) of battle proven
capabilities to India to equip the Indian Armed Forces. This contract represents the first major agreement since the establishment of the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India, a bespoke programme office breaking down barriers to trade and offering government-to-government contracting, where appropriate, further solidifying
the defence and security relationship between the two nations. This contract also reflects Thales’ long-term partnership of 70+ years with India, serving as a testimony to its continued growth.
A production partnership with India will also increase UK production at the Thales Belfast site, where LBRM is designed.
Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, said: “This exciting collaboration is
just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India.
While supporting India’s air defence capability and global security, this agreement also
demonstrates defence as an engine for growth and delivers on the government’s Plan for
Change.”
“This is a momentous occasion for all the stakeholders involved in the development of LBRM Air Defence solutions. It signifies the beginning of an exciting chapter in our collaboration with BDL, contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The UK-India strategic partnership finds renewed strength through this contract, which is poised to make a significant impact in the domain of air defence in India.” declared Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.
“The signing of this contract with BDL and Thales to support India’s air defence capability is
a huge stride forward in strengthening our partnership with India. I am proud to see that
Thales’ expertise in the domain of Air defence will bring vital, battle proven capabilities to
India.” said Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK.
