Indian Army to Get Major Boost, Bad News for Rivals

India's Air Defence: In a news development that is exceptionally critical for India, the Army is about to be issued the first batch of close-range weapons that can be utilized by an individual solider with ease. As reported, the United Kingdom’s defense contractor Thales has struck a deal with India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply. This is a very short range air defense system which can intercept enemy missiles and fighter jets which are employing high speed and short range engagements. Experts say that this new weapon will greatly enhance the security of India’s skies and airspace.

After the clrification from the governments of India and the United Kingdom, Thales and BDL developed a joint venture for the foundation of the Laser Beam Riding (LBRM) Man-Portable Air Defense (MANPAD) Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system. The weapon was under development for a long time and an agreement for such defense ultra-modern ultra-lightweight weapons was signed between the countries’ companies in 2021.

What is referred to as this system?

It is an air defense missile complex for engaging cruise missiles, UAVs, helicopters, and other low-flying airborne targets to destroy the enemy with direct fire.

This system is meant to work mostly as a short to medium anti-air weapon. 

This system is meant to work if the enemy missile or aircraft has already broken through long-ranged air defense systems and has entered the protected zone. 

Under the terms of the understanding between the Indian and British governments, India's share of the funding is 60 percent, or approximately 22 million GBP. 

With this system, the Indian army will be able to effectively engage fighter ground attack aircraft, undertakings/fight masking attack helicopters, and unmanned drones. It is important to note that this system was under live tests in India for the whole year last year, and those tests have been positive.