Bengaluru, Feb 10

Thales and Bharat Dynamics Ltd Agree on Initial Supply of Man Portable Air Defence systems to India

Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are proud to announce the signing of an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to support India’s air defence capabilities.

This initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers will be delivered this year and represents the first time that India has received this latest VSHORAD capability. This step confirms the foundation of a long-term collaboration and manufacturing partnership between Thales and BDL. In the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership will serve the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Thales, together with BDL, is committed to the transfer of technology (ToT) of battle proven capabilities to India to equip the Indian Armed Forces.

This contract represents the first major agreement since the establishment of the United Kingdom's Defence Partnership-India, a bespoke programme office breaking down barriers to trade and offering government-to-government contracting, where appropriate, further solidifying the defence and security relationship between the two nations. This contract also reflects Thales’ long-term partnership of 70+ years with India, serving as a testimony to its continued growth.

A production partnership with India will also increase UK production at the Thales Belfast site, where LBRM is designed.

Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, said: “This exciting collaboration is just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India. While supporting India’s air defence capability and global security, this agreement also demonstrates defence as an engine for growth and delivers on the government’s Plan for Change.”

 “This is a momentous occasion for all the stakeholders involved in the development of LBRM Air Defence solutions. It signifies the beginning of an exciting chapter in our collaboration with BDL, contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The UK-India strategic partnership finds renewed strength through this contract, which is poised to make a significant impact in the domain of air defence in India.” declared Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.

 “We are pleased to take our collaboration with Thales to this next significant step, enhancing our contribution to the defence ecosystem and our ability to support existing and future LBRM Air Defence customers. This initiative aligns perfectly with our Government's 'Make in India,' 'ease of doing business,' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' programmes, giving a major boost to the local industry through partnerships with global organisations like Thales.” said Cmde A Madhavarao (retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Dynamics Limited.

 “The signing of this contract with BDL and Thales to support India’s air defence capability is a huge stride forward in strengthening our partnership with India. I am proud to see that Thales’ expertise in the domain of Air defence will bring vital, battle proven capabilities to India.” said Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK.

About LBRM High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) are a truly versatile, complex weapon system. Designed for very short-range air defence, they are the fastest missiles in their class at Mach >3.0. They are best suited to address late unmasking threats such as fixed and rotary wing targets, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and pop-up attack helicopters.

Thales is a world leader in the provision of Air Defence solutions and in particular of complex weapon systems and has been a trusted partner of forces in this field for more than 60 years.

BEL signs MoU with Raddef Pvt Ltd

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Raddef Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, have signed an MoU for the joint development, marketing, manufacturing and sales of indigenous Coastal Surveillance Radar (CSR).

The objective of the agreement, announced at Aero India 2025, is to co-operate and support indigenous development and manufacturing of subsystems required for the realisation of equipment/systems in the field of Coastal Surveillance equipment for Defence applications. 

LCA Mk1A Enthrals Spectators

The LCA Mk1A flew in the inaugural program of ongoing Aero India 2025. Four Mk IA aircraft flew in 'finger four' formation called Yodha formation. The Mk IA second prototype did an amazing aerial display in front of the Raksha Mantri, enthralling the spectators. The Mk IA, also called the 'Alpha,' is a more capable and significantly upgraded aircraft slated to be a part of IAF in the coming months.

The upgrade includes a new sensor suite, new more capable Mission and Digital Flight Control System, new weapons, net centric capability and Astra BVRs apart from Precision guided weapons. IAF has placed 83-aircraft order on HAL. The lead aircraft are poised to get Military Type Certificate and enter service.

Chipsan Aviation to enhance connectivity in India with Airbus H160 helicopters

Chipsan Aviation, India’s leading non-scheduled air operator, has outlined its plans to deploy Airbus H160 helicopters for multi-mission roles in India. The company is going to add two more H160 helicopters to its fleet within the year.

Chipsan Aviation leased two H160 helicopters in 2024 from GD Helicopter Finance and took delivery of the first one in December 2024, making Chipsan Aviation the first Indian operator to have leased the aircraft type. Designed as a multi-role helicopter, capable of performing a wide-range of missions, these H160s will be deployed by the company for commercial air transportation, supporting connectivity and economic activity across the country. The helicopters will be used for connecting Lakshadweep Islands with the mainland and for offshore energy missions in India.

"We are proud to be the first operator in India who brought H145 for commercial operations. We feel responsible for bringing the most sophisticated H160 for the first time in India for commercial operations. The first two H160s are mainly for the VIP plus corporate requirements. However, Chipsan aims to connect Lakshadweep Island with the mainland with the future inductions this year itself," said Sunil Narayanan and Daisy Cherian, Founders of Chipsan Aviation Pvt Ltd.

“We are honoured that Chipsan Aviation has once again put their trust in Airbus for enhancing helicopter operations in the country. These helicopters mark a significant milestone in their expansion journey as they become the first operator to lease the H160 in India. The H160 is Airbus’ next-generation helicopter and is already in service in many configurations around the world. These helicopters will be the flagship in Chipsan Aviation’s fleet and are a testament to their ambition to introduce innovative helicopter services in the country,” said Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia.

The H160 is a multi-role helicopter ideal for carrying out a variety of missions, including offshore transportation for the energy industry, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, commercial passenger transport, and public services such as search and rescue and law enforcement. With its exceptional range, speed, and efficiency, the H160 offers a superior level of performance and flexibility to operators.

Chipsan Aviation currently operates a fleet of six Airbus helicopters that includes two H145, two H135, and two H130 helicopters, from Cochin, Bangalore, Mumbai, and its headquarters in Delhi.

BEL & Reshef Technologies, Israel, sign MoA

Press Release

BEL & Reshef Technologies, Israel, sign MoA for execution of Long Term Make in India contract for Electronic Fuzes

Bengaluru, February 10, 2025: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Reshef Technologies, Israel, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to execute a Long Term Make in India (LTMII) contract, aimed at the indigenous manufacture of Electronic Fuzes. 

The objective of the agreement, announced at Aero India 2025, is to execute a 10-year LTMII contract for production of Electronic Fuzes in the country, thereby addressing the mandated indigenisation requirements of the Indian Army. The MoA will enable BEL to achieve 100 per cent indigenisation in the manufacture of Electronic Fuzes.  

HAL’s Upgraded Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT) 36 Unveiled as ‘Yashas’

The flagship jet training aircraft of HAL, Hindustan Jet Trainer, HJT-36, is now renamed as ‘Yashas’ after extensive modifications to resolve departure characteristics and spin resistance throughout the aircraft envelope. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (DP) unveiled the new name in the presence of Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL and senior officers at the ongoing Aero India 2025 here today.

“The large-scale changes to the baseline intermediate training platform has led to significant upheaval in its capabilities and hence provided an opportunity for a new name to be given in accordance with the aircraft's continued relevance as a training system for modern military aviation. In light of this, HJT-36 is named Yashas”, says Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL.

For induction into service, the aircraft was recently upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit. These will enhance training effectiveness and operational efficiency, whilst providing weight reduction and overcoming obsolescence of imported equipment with Indian LRUs.

Yashas is capable of Stage II pilot training, counter insurgency and counter surface force operations, armament training, aerobatics etc. It is powered by a FADEC controlled AL55I Jet engine, providing best in class thrust to weight ratio, optimised thrust management and reliability. Stepped up Rear cockpit with Drooped Nose provides excellent all-around Vision and Enhanced situational awareness with State-of-the-Art Glass Cockpit with MFDs and HUD. The capabilities of HJT-36 are stall and spin, aerobatics, armament carriage up to 1000kg, single point ground refuelling and defueling.

 

Maharashtra Defence and Aerospace Venture Fund (MDAVF) Announces Successful Exit from Two Portfolio Companies

The Maharashtra Defence and Aerospace Venture Fund (MDAVF), a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) managed by IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Limited (ICMS) focused on supporting innovative companies in the defence and aerospace sectors, recently announced its successful exit from two of its portfolio companies, viz., Cyronics Innovation Labs Private Limited (CILPL) and JSR Dynamics Private Limited (JSR Dynamics) realizing ₹14.46 crores and ₹59.15 crores respectively.

 

Mr. Amey Belorkar, Fund Manager - Maharashtra Defence and Aerospace Venture Fund (MDAVF), IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Ltd, speaking about the exits said, “Both, Cyronics Innovation Labs and JSR Dynamics, are instrumental in driving technological progress and self-reliance within India’s defence and aerospace industries with a focus on enhancing the operational effectiveness of defence forces. MDAVF remains focused on supporting India’s journey towards self-reliance by investing in high-potential ventures that foster technological breakthroughs and enhance indigenous capabilities. These milestones reflect the strength of our investment strategy and our ongoing commitment to driving innovation in India’s defence and aerospace sectors. By backing sustainable growth in these critical industries, we’re proud to contribute to India’s defence ecosystem and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

 

MDAVF, to date, has invested approximately ₹406 crore in 22 MSMEs. The fund has successfully executed full and partial exits from 12 companies, realizing divestment proceeds of around ₹281 crore and achieving a strong Internal Rate of Return that highlights the fund's disciplined and strategic approach to value creation.

 

Cyronics Innovation Labs Private Limited (CILPL)

CILPL, founded in 2020, operates in the AI and Machine Learning sectors, specializing in software-defined radio technologies for the defence and aerospace sectors. CILPL has served leading defence and aerospace organizations, including Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., Navstar Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. (Navy) and Theta Controls (Army), among others.

 JSR Dynamics Private Limited (JSR Dynamics)

JSR Dynamics was founded in 2018 with an intention to contribute in a big way towards achieving self-reliance in the defense sector through indigenous Design, Development and Manufacture. JSR Dynamics is engaged in the development and manufacturing of advanced munitions, including glide bombs and loitering munitions. The company’s products are poised to play a significant role in both Indian and international defence markets.

 These exits showcase MDAVF’s commitment to supporting high-potential ventures in the defence and aerospace industry, driving technological advancements, and generating strong returns for its stakeholders. Both exits have been marked by impressive internal rates of return (IRR), underscoring the fund’s effective investment strategy and its ability to identify high-growth companies.

 Managed by IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Limited, MDAVF continues to play a transformative role in driving indigenous innovation, fostering self-reliance, and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the defence and aerospace sectors.