Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited Sign Initial Supply Contract for STARStreak Missiles
Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have officially signed an initial supply contract for laser-guided Man Portable Air Defence systems, specifically the High Velocity (HVM) STARStreak missiles. This agreement, announced on February 10, 2025, is in response to a significant requirement from the Indian government to strengthen the nation’s air defence capabilities.
This agreement builds upon a partnership established in 2021 between Thales and BDL, with support from the Indian and UK governments. The initial supply of STARStreak missiles and launchers is scheduled for this year, marking the first time India will receive this advanced Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system. The collaboration also signifies the first major agreement under the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India, a program designed to facilitate trade and government-to-government contracting, further strengthening defence and security ties between the two nations and confirming increased investment in the Thales facility in Belfast, where the STARStreak LBRM system is designed.
The Laser Beam Riding MANPAD (LBRM) is a very short-range air defence system designed to protect against threats such as fighter and ground attack aircraft, attack helicopters, and drones. Notably, up to 60% of the system will be manufactured in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and supporting the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). The STARStreak missile system is currently in service with the British Army and has been procured by defence forces worldwide and has seen operational service in Ukraine. It is renowned for being the fastest missile in its category, featuring three laser-guided kinetic darts that are resistant to known countermeasures, and capable of defeating various air targets, including armoured helicopters.
Lord Vernon Coaker, the UK’s Minister of State for Defence, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in enhancing India’s air defence and global security, noting that it exemplifies defence as a catalyst for growth. Lord Coaker added:
“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.”
Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited, said “we are 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,” and stated that this initiative aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programs, boosting local industry through partnerships with global organizations like Thales.
Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK, stated that the contract represents a significant step in strengthening the partnership with India and bringing vital, battle-proven air defence capabilities to the country. The announcement follows recent news that a locally-developed V-SHORAD system, developed by the DRDO, has been successfully tested.