Thales & BDL sign agreement for supply of air defence systems

First batch of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM)

French defence and electronics firm Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have signed an agreement for the initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

In a significant boost to India’s air defence capabilities, Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have signed an agreement for the initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) to the Indian Ministry of Defence. This marks India’s first procurement of Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

In a press statement, Thales says that the contract marks India’s first acquisition of this of VSHORAD capability and lays the foundation for a long-term manufacturing collaboration between Thales and BDL.

It adds that the agreement includes provisions for the transfer of technology (ToT) to support the Indian Armed Forces.

It further adds that the contract includes the delivery of VSHORAD missiles and launchers to enhance India’s air defence capabilities.

Thales says that the deal is the first major agreement under the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India initiative, aimed at facilitating government-to-government defence cooperation.

It adds that the production partnership is expected to contribute to the UK’s defence industry, particularly at Thales’ Belfast facility, where the LBRM system is designed.

It further adds that the agreement follows the 2021 Partnership Agreement between Thales and BDL, backed by the Indian and UK governments.

Thales says that the LBRM system, which includes High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak), is designed to counter aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and drones.

It adds that up to 60 pc of the system’s components will be manufactured in India, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

“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,” says Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, United Kingdom.

“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,” says Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.

“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. This initiative aligns perfectly with our Government’s ‘Make in India,’ ‘ease of doing business,’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programmes, giving a major boost to the local industry through partnerships with global organisations like Thales,” says Commodore A Madhavarao (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Dynamics Limited.

“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,” says Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales UK.