BDL and Thales-UK Join Forces to Manufacture Lightweight Multi-Role Missiles in India

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s air defence and boosting indigenous defence manufacturing, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has announced a major collaboration with Thales UK to domestically produce Lightweight Multi-Role Missiles (LMM) and advanced air defence systems. This landmark agreement was officially unveiled during the Aero India 2025 defence exhibition.

This partnership is an important extension of a previous agreement between the two companies for the supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (LBRM) — including the widely respected STARStreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) and their launch systems. The first batch of these advanced systems is expected to be delivered later this year, marking the arrival of a new generation of very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) capability for India.

What Are Lightweight Multi-Role Missiles (LMM)?

The LMM is a highly versatile, lightweight missile system designed to engage a wide variety of aerial and surface threats, including fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and small naval vessels. Its compact size, rapid deployment capability, and precision strike features make it a reliable option for both land-based and naval platforms.

Key highlights of the LMM include:

• High speed and agility

• Laser beam riding guidance for pinpoint accuracy

• Capability to defeat fast-moving and highly maneuverable targets

• Lightweight design suitable for portable launchers and vehicle mounts

India’s Push for Self-Reliance in Defence

As part of the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, this collaboration ensures that up to 60% of the LMM systems will be manufactured domestically. It also involves a significant Technology Transfer (ToT) from Thales UK to BDL, providing Indian engineers and manufacturers access to sophisticated missile technologies and production techniques.

The domestic production of these missiles is not just about increasing India’s defensive strength but also about creating employment opportunities, developing technical expertise, and building a stronger indigenous defence industrial base. The move will also integrate BDL and other Indian suppliers into Thales’ global supply chain, opening doors for future export opportunities.

Why This Deal Matters

This partnership brings several strategic advantages:

• Introduction of the STARStreak VSHORAD system to India for the first time, renowned for its blistering speed and high accuracy.

• Strengthening of India-UK defence cooperation, under a broader strategic agreement aimed at removing trade barriers and simplifying government-to-government defence procurement.

• Boosting the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem, with increased production not only within India but also at Thales’ Belfast facility in the UK.

• Enhancing operational readiness against modern airborne threats, including stealthy, fast-moving, and low-signature targets like drones.

Leaders Highlight Shared Vision

Key figures from both governments and companies praised the collaboration for its long-term benefits. Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Minister of State for Defence, and Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO of Thales International, stressed the project’s importance for mutual security interests and economic growth.

Meanwhile, Cmde A Madhavarao (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, pointed out that the initiative perfectly complements India’s defence modernisation goals and its vision to become a global hub for advanced weapon systems manufacturing.

The BDL-Thales collaboration for LMM production marks a major milestone in India’s defence journey. It not only upgrades the nation’s air defence capability but also propels India towards becoming a key player in the global defence manufacturing sector. This model of international technology sharing, local manufacturing, and strategic partnership sets an encouraging example for future defence collaborations in an evolving global security environment.