In an important step towards India’s defense industry self-reliance, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Thales UK have partnered to build Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) and advanced air defence systems in the country.
An earlier arrangement for the sale of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM), such as the STARStreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) and their launchers, which are expected to be delivered for the first time later this year, is being expanded upon by this alliance, which was announced at Aero India 2025.
In keeping with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, the LMM production project is a direct extension of the successful LBRM contract and aims to strengthen India’s air defense capabilities. Up to 60% of the missile systems will be produced domestically as part of this partnership, guaranteeing significant technology transfer (ToT) from Thales to BDL.
In addition to improving India’s operational preparedness against contemporary aerial threats including fighter planes, attack helicopters, and drones, this action fortifies the country’s defense industrial sector.
For a number of reasons, the agreement is strategically important. First of all, the STARStreak VSHORAD system, a state-of-the-art, combat-tested capability renowned for its accuracy, speed, and resistance to countermeasures, will be delivered to India for the first time. Second, by integrating BDL and Indian companies into Thales’ worldwide supply chain, the LMM manufacturing would boost industrial growth, provide new job opportunities, and improve interoperability between the two countries’ armed services.
This partnership is also a sign of India and the UK’s growing defense and security cooperation. This arrangement was made possible by the UK-India Defence Partnership, which seeks to strengthen bilateral ties by lowering trade restrictions and expediting government-to-government contracting. In addition to supporting shared security goals and boosting both nations’ economy, the agreement is anticipated to increase production at Thales’ Belfast location in the United Kingdom.
Government and organization leaders have emphasized the deal’s wider implications. Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO of Thales International, and Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Minister of State for Defence, both highlighted how the partnership will help India’s air defense and economic development. According to Cmde A Madhavarao (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, the program is a natural fit with India’s aim for ease of doing business and defense self-reliance.
In addition to improving India’s air defense capabilities, the BDL-Thales partnership for LMM production represents a historic step towards the country’s goal of becoming a global center for advanced defense manufacturing. In the context of the changing global security environment, it serves as a strong example for international technology transfer, industrial partnerships, and strategic cooperation.
