Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have announced the signing of an initial supply contract for Laser Beam Riding Man-Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to enhance India’s air defence capabilities.

This initial supply of STARStreak High-Velocity Missiles and launchers will be delivered this year, marking the first time that India has received this latest Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capability. 

This step establishes the foundation of a long-term collaboration and manufacturing partnership between Thales and BDL. Aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership will serve the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Thales, together with BDL, has committed to the transfer of technology (ToT) of battle-proven capabilities to India to equip the Indian Armed Forces. This production partnership with India will also increase UK production at the Thales Belfast site, where the LBRM is designed. In fact, up to 60% of the LBRMs will be manufactured in India.

This contract marks 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 enabling government-to-government contracting where appropriate, further strengthening the defence and security relationship between the two nations. 

This contract also reflects Thales’ long-standing partnership of over 70 years with India, serving as a testament to its continued growth. 

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The STARStreak High-Velocity Missile is a versatile and sophisticated weapon system designed for very short-range air defence, offering unmatched speed and precision. 

As the fastest missile in its class, exceeding Mach 3, STARStreak is highly effective against a range of threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and attack helicopters. Weighing 14 kg and measuring 1.397 metres in length with a 13 cm diameter, it features a two-stage propulsion system using Royal Ordnance ‘Brambling’ and ‘Titus’ cast double-based propellant rocket motors. 

The missile reaches speeds of more than Mach 3 at second-stage burnout and engages targets at altitudes of up to 7 km and distances beyond 7 km. Its warhead consists of three tungsten alloy darts, each weighing 0.9 kg, which deploy upon launch and utilise an impact-delay detonation mechanism for maximum effectiveness. Guidance is achieved through a Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) laser-beam system, ensuring exceptional accuracy against fast-moving and maneuvering threats.

According to a related announcement, this is a major milestone, following the signing of the Partnership Agreement in 2021 between Thales and BDL to develop the LBRM, with the support of the Indian and UK Governments.

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