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A major defense deal has been struck between India and the United Kingdom. Britain has signed a contract worth US$468 million (₹4155 crore) to supply UK-made Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) to the Indian Army. This announcement came during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Significantly, these missiles are being used in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are also using LMMs against Russian troops.
In a statement regarding this defense deal, the British government said that the new contract for Lightweight Multirole Missiles manufactured by Thales in Northern Ireland will save approximately 700 jobs at a factory. Britain is also supplying these missiles to Ukraine under a special deal.
What are the special features of Lightweight Multirole Missiles?
The Lightweight Multirole Missile is an advanced air defense system that provides accuracy, versatility, and effectiveness against a variety of threats in challenging environments. Also known as Martlets, these lightweight missiles are air-to-surface, air-to-air, and surface-to-surface missiles developed by Belfast-based defense contractor Thales Air Defence.
These missiles are typically used for air defense and can attack a variety of military platforms, including drones and armored vehicles.
Missile Can Be Fired From Anywhere
As the name suggests, this missile, manufactured by Thales UK, can be fired by ground troops, integrated with armored vehicles, and from helicopters and naval ships. For the Army, it can eliminate all types of threats, from lightly armored, wheeled, and tracked vehicles to aerial platforms with ranges up to 6 kilometers. The laser beam guidance-based LMM is available in solder-launched, tripod, and vehicle configurations.
Weighing just 13 kilograms, this missile has a velocity of Mach 1.5 and has been in service with the British Army since 2019. It is also used by the Ukrainian army in the ongoing war against Russia.
Named after a mythical bird
This missile, also known as the Martlet missile, is named after a mythical bird that never builds nests. It is specifically designed for urban environments and is manufactured by Thales at its plant in Northern Ireland.
In a joint statement issued by the two countries, the Indian government said that this deal will further enhance India’s air defense capabilities and meet the current and future needs of the Ministry of Defense, in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It will also support long-term cooperation on complex weapons between the two countries. Britain also said it has reached a new milestone with India for electric engines for naval ships as the two countries signed the next phase of the deal, which has an initial value of 250 million pounds.
