UK-India Defence Partnership

In a significant step towards strengthening the UK-India defence relationship, the two countries launched the Defence Partnership India (DP-I) during the Aero India 2025 show. Several key defence agreements were signed, marking an important milestone in bilateral defence collaboration.

Key Highlights of DP-I and Defence Agreements:

• Defence Partnership India (DP-I): The UK set up a dedicated programme office within the UK Ministry of Defence to streamline and enhance defence cooperation between India and the UK.
• Air Defence Collaboration: Thales (UK) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) (India) signed a contract for the delivery of Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), a type of missile system designed for air defence.
  • The initial supply will include High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers, scheduled for delivery later this year.
  • This contract is a major step in advancing cooperation between the two countries in air defence technologies.
• Next-Generation Defence Technologies: After the LBRM contract, Thales and BDL will collaborate on the production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). Thales and BDL have signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year.
• Economic and Security Growth: The UK-India defence collaboration is aligned with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)
  • The agreements aim to not only bolster defence capabilities but also contribute to economic growth by generating jobs in both countries and improving interoperability between their armed forces.
• Missile Assembly and Testing Facility: MBDA UK and BDL are working together to establish an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad, India.
  • This facility will enhance India’s fighter jet fleet and enable exports to global markets.
• Maritime Collaboration: A Statement of Intent was signed between the UK and India to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD)
  • As part of this initiative, GE Vernova and BHEL are collaborating to establish India’s first maritime land-based testing facility.
  • The goal is to deliver the LPD in water by 2030.

Strategic Implications and Support for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision:

• The strengthening of defence ties with the UK directly supports India’s self-reliance in defence technologies and aligns with the country’s ambition to reduce dependency on foreign defence imports.
• These agreements also advance joint security and economic growth for both nations.
• The UK’s collaboration on next-generation weapons and defence technologies will not only enhance India’s defence capabilities but also help in upgrading manufacturing capacities within the country.
• The UK-India Defence Partnership is set to play a pivotal role in the modernization of India’s defence sector.