Aero India 2017: Deal with Thales for STARStreak missile

BENGALURU: Aerospace company Thales and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), a public sector enterprise, on Tuesday signed a MOU for missile transfer technology at Aero India.

The MoU seeks to assess the opportunity for the transfer of technology of the STARStreak missile capability to India with the support of the UK Government.
The MoU was signed in the presence of UK Government representatives.

Through this MoU, both companies seek to jointly offer a “Make in India” solution to help service growing international demand for the Man-Portable air defence system (MANPADS). 

Alex Cresswell, Executive Vice President for Land & Air Systems activities at Thales, said: “We are proud to join hands with Bharat Dynamics Ltd for the strategic transfer of technology of our flagship STARStreak missile from the UK. We are also thankful to the UK government for their strong support to this initiative. Sharing technology has been one of the key ingredients of Thales’ strategy for India. We would continue to work in this direction and realise our objective to make in India and export from India through such endeavours.”

V. Udaya Bhaskar, Chairman and MD, Bharat Dynamics Limited, “BDL is pleased to partner with Thales for obtaining transfer of technology for STARStreak Missiles. BDL is strongly looking forward to business opportunities outside India to supply the latest defence equipment.”

The STARStreak missile is in service in the UK army and has been procured by the defence forces of a number of countries worldwide. The fastest missile in its category, STARStreak is said to be unique due to its three laser-guided darts, which cannot be jammed by any known counter measure.