By A Correspondent

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s air defence capabilities, the Indian Army’s Corps of Army Air Defence has signed a contract with Thales, UK, for the procurement of the Light Weight Modular Missile (LMM) System on Oct. 15, 2025.

The induction of this advanced weapon system marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s counter-drone and aerial threat response capabilities, particularly in challenging high-altitude terrains, according to Indian Army officers.

The LMM is a lightweight, man-portable missile system designed for rapid deployment in varied operational environments, including the harsh conditions of high-altitude areas.

Operating on the Laser Beam Riding principle, the LMM is engineered to remain highly resistant to evasive manoeuvres by modern aerial platforms, ensuring superior accuracy and lethality.

Capable of neutralising aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and UCAVs, the LMM is effective even against aerial targets with low infrared (IR) signatures.

With an operational range of over six kilometres and the ability to perform in all-weather conditions, the system provides a critical edge to the Indian Army’s short-range air defence network.

The missile’s advanced sighting system, high-explosive warhead, and proximity fuze enable a high single-shot kill probability, making it a formidable countermeasure against rapidly evolving aerial threats.

Officers noted that the procurement comes in the wake of May 2025 Operation Sindoor against terror targets inside Pakistan, highlighting the growing need for precision-guided systems to detect and destroy high-value drones and UAVs employed by adversaries.

The LMM system is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s operational readiness and reinforce India’s efforts toward building a layered and responsive air defence architecture.

This strategic acquisition underscores the Indian Army’s focus on modernisation and technological self-reliance while integrating cutting-edge global systems to meet emerging battlefield challenges.

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