By Chaitali Bag
Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have announced the delivery of the first batch of Laser Beam Riding MANPADS (LBRM) Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missiles and launchers to the Indian Ministry of Defence. The announcement, made at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, reflects the Indian government’s call for enhanced air defence capabilities. Scheduled for delivery this year, the high-velocity Starstreak missiles mark India’s first acquisition of this advanced countermeasure-resistant technology, boosting the nation’s air defence capabilities. BDL Chairman A Madhavarao highlighted the alignment with government programs like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ emphasizing the initiative’s contribution to local industry.
