Aero India 2017: Thales to Make in India
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will explore opportunities for the transfer of technology of the Starstreak missile capability to India, the company announced on 14 February.
The MoU has been signed with the support of the UK government with the aim of supporting the Indian government's 'Make in India' ambitions.
The Starstreak missile is in service with the British Army. The missile has three laser-guided darts, which cannot be jammed by any known counter measure, offering the capability to defeat air targets – including armoured helicopters – as the last line of defence.
Alex Cresswell, executive vice president for land and air systems activities at Thales, said: 'We are proud to join hands with BDL for the strategic transfer of technology of our flagship Starstreak missile from the UK. Also, we are thankful to the government of the UK 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.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
