Thales and Bharat Dynamics Ltd to Deliver Man-Portable Air Defence Systems to India

In a significant move to bolster India's air defense capabilities, Thales, a global leader in defense technology, has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Government of India enterprise, to supply the STARStreak High Velocity Missile (HVM) system to the Indian Armed Forces. This collaboration aligns with India's 'Make in India' initiative, aiming to strengthen indigenous defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

The STARStreak High Velocity Missile System

The STARStreak HVM is a state-of-the-art, man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed to engage and neutralize a variety of low-flying aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, attack helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Key features of the STARStreak system include:

• Speed and Agility: The missile accelerates to speeds exceeding Mach 3, making it one of the fastest short-range surface-to-air missiles in existence. This high velocity reduces the engagement time, increasing the likelihood of intercepting fast-moving targets.

• Unique Warhead Configuration: Unlike traditional missiles, STARStreak employs a trio of dart-like submunitions. Upon launch, these darts separate and are guided independently, enhancing the probability of a successful hit and maximizing damage to critical components of the target.

• Laser Beam Riding Guidance: The system utilizes a semi-automatic line-of-sight (SACLOS) laser beam riding guidance mechanism. The operator maintains the crosshairs on the target, and the missile follows a laser beam projected from the launcher, ensuring precise targeting and resistance to common countermeasures.

Specifications of the STARStreak Missile

• Missile Length: Approximately 1.39 meters
• Missile Diameter: 0.27 meters
• Weight: 14 kilograms
• Effective Range: Up to 7 kilometers

These specifications underscore the system's portability and effectiveness in various combat scenarios, providing ground forces with a reliable tool for air defense.

Manufacturing and Delivery Timeline

Under the terms of the agreement, up to 60% of the STARStreak system will be manufactured in India, supporting the nation's push for self-reliance in defense production. The initial batch of missiles and launchers is scheduled for delivery in 2025, marking the first instance of India acquiring this advanced Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) capability.

Strategic Implications

This partnership not only enhances India's defense readiness but also strengthens the strategic relationship between India and the United Kingdom. By integrating advanced missile technology into its arsenal, India is taking a significant step toward modernizing its military capabilities and ensuring the security of its airspace against evolving aerial threats.

In summary, the collaboration between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited represents a pivotal development in India's defense sector, promising to deliver cutting-edge air defense solutions while promoting indigenous manufacturing and technological advancement.