Thales partners with BDL to work on STARStreak Air Defence system

Thales has signed a teaming agreement with Bharat Dynamics (BDL), a Government of India enterprise, to jointly work on the STARStreak Air Defence system.

Both companies signed the agreement in a virtual ceremony attended by the UK and Indian government representatives.

The deal makes BDL a part of the STARStreak global supply chain enabling the company to supply Indian manufactured components to existing and future STARStreak Air Defence customers.

Additionally, the agreement will enable BDL to deliver STARStreak solution to India, with 60% of the system manufactured locally, supporting the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Thales UK CEO Alex Cresswell said: “Today’s signing is a significant milestone for all parties concerned and I look forward to Thales and BDL developing a close working relationship.

“This is good news for our business in Belfast in Northern Ireland, for the strong supply chain of UK SMEs with whom we work and for our teams in India.

“The UK and India have a strong tradition of industrial partnership in defence, innovation and sharing technology and we are thankful to both the governments for their strong support to this excellent initiative.”

The STARStreak missile system is an anti-air guided-weapon system currently in service with the British Army. The weapon system can be used against armoured helicopters and high-speed ground attack aircraft.

The induction of STARStreak will help the Indian army and airforce meet their immediate air defence requirements.

Separately, ideaForge secured a $20m contract to deliver the high-altitude variant product, the SWITCH UAV, to the Indian Army.