By A Correspondent

Bengaluru (Karnataka): French technology major Thales Group‘s United Kingdom arm and Indian state-run missile maker Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) on Feb. 10, 2025, announced the agreement signing for an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (LBRM) to the Indian armed forces.

The agreement was signed 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. It represents the first time that India has received this latest VSHORAD capability,” Thales said in a statement at AeroIndia 2025.

“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,” it said.

Thales has committed to technology transfer to BDL of the STARStreak to boost the Indian armed forces’ battle-proven capability.

This contract represents the first major agreement since the establishment of the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India.

The partnership is 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.

“This exciting collaboration is just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India,” United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defence Vernon Coaker said.

“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.”

Thales International president and chief executive officer Pascale Sourisse said, “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.”

BDL’s Chairman and Managing Director Commodore A. Madhavrao (Retired), in his remarks, said the Indian company is “pleased to take our collaboration with Thales to this next significant step, enhancing our contribution to the defence ecosystem and our ability to support existing and future LBRM Air Defence customers.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our government’s ‘Make in India,’ ‘ease of doing business,’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat‘ (Self-Reliant India) programmes, giving a major boost to the local industry through partnerships with global organisations like Thales.”

Thales UK chief executive officer Phil Siveter said, “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 air defence domain will bring vital, battle-proven capabilities to India.”

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