📍New Delhi | 13 Oct, 2025, 1:15 PM
Martlet LLM: Recently a large defense deal between India and the United Kingdom of 468 million US dollars (approximately Rs 3,900 crore) under which the Indian Army will get Martlet Multiroll Missiles of the Theles Company made in the UK. The agreement happened after the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai during the two-day visit of the UK Prime Minister Kir Starmar.
According to the statement issued on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence, it is for supply of Lightweight Multiroll Missile (LLM) (Martlet LLM) being made by the Contract Belfast-based Theles Air Defense. UK Defence Minister John Heli has called this agreement a symbol of deep cooperation between India and UK defence industries. He told that it will not only increase India’s defence potential but also lead to about 700 jobs in Northern Ireland. According to the British government, the missiles sent to India are the same, which are currently being made for Ukraine.
Martlet LLM: What Is Theels Martlet Missile?
Martlet missile developed by Theles Air Defense is also known as Lightweight Multiroll Missile (LLM) (Martlet LLM). It is a multiroll missile that can be stained from both air and ground platforms.
The weight of this missile is only 13 kg, but it can fly at a speed of 1.5 times higher. Its march capacity is up to 6 kilometres, i.e. it proves to be extremely effective in nearby air defense attack (short range air defense).
This missile was first created for the British Royal Navy to meet the needs of their future air-to-surface guided wastage (light). The name of its "Martlet" is named after a legendary bird, which never stops.
Martlet LLM: Where-ever used Martlet Missile
Martlet missiles are used both UK military and navy. It can be stained with a wildcat helicopter and targets targets such as small warships or drones on the marine surface.
In 2021, the Royal Navy successfully tested it in the Bay of Bengal, a career strike group during Ekh Exercise. It was also deployed in the Ukraine war, where it targeted Russian drones and missiles.
According to the Ministry of Defence of the UK, this missile (Martlet LLM) system has also worked in campaigns such as Operation Prosperity Guardian, in which the Common ships were rescued from the attacks of Huth Rebels.
Martlet LLM: What Will Benefit For India
This deal for the Indian Army is important in many ways. First, this missile will increase India’s short-range air defense (SHORAD) capacity, which will combat drones, helicopters and other air hazards.
Secondly, these missiles can also be launched from the helicopters, vehicles, and marine platforms due to lightness. This will benefit the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force three.
Third, this deal will also push India’s self-sufficient India mission. Under this partnership between the two countries can also be worked on joint production and technology transfer in the future.
Missiles to Become in Belfast
Speaking of the Theels Air Defense Company, it is a British defense manufacturing company, located in Belfast (North Ireland). The company’s advanced market system is mastered by the construction of radar, missile and electronic warfare systems. Thenals’ missiles are being used by the British Army, Royal Navy and many foreign forces, including Ukraine, Malaysia and Qatar.
Another famous missile of the Theles is Starstrike, a fast speed Mac-3 man-portable air defense system. This missile launches "Darts" with three fast speeds that distinguish the target accurately. Both Starstrek and Martlet (Martlet LLM) missiles have been technically interconnected, and the Theles make them the same place. Recently, the British Ministry of Defence has given the Theles a further contract of 176 million pound, with new missiles and launchers being created for the British Army.
This deal between UK and India is not limited to just Missile (Martlet LLM) supply. Both countries have also agreed to develop electric engine for Naval Ships. Under this cooperation, India and UK will together create new Energy Efficient Engines for naval ships. The project is costing about Rs 2,600 crore.
