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.’
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