By Staff Correspondent
The strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and India has reached a significant milestone with the launch of Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and the signing of several critical defence agreements at Aero India 2025. These developments not only underscore the deepening defence collaboration between the two nations but also align with India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) by promoting indigenous manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency.
The formal announcement of DP-I by UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker marks a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral defence ties. The establishment of a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence, specifically for India, symbolizes the UK’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with India. This initiative will serve as a streamlined platform to facilitate collaboration, innovation, and joint development in defence technologies. By doing so, it will not only enhance mutual security interests but also contribute to economic growth in both nations.
One of the most notable agreements announced at the event is the partnership between Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM). This agreement includes the initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers, with deliveries expected to commence this year. The collaboration will expand further to include the co-production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). This partnership is a testament to the growing synergy between Indian and British defence industries, enabling the integration of Indian manufacturers into Thales’ global supply chain. Such initiatives are aligned with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, fostering indigenous manufacturing capabilities while addressing mutual security concerns and creating jobs in both countries.
Lord Vernon Coaker highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition. This event showcases our collaboration in next-generation capability and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together.”
Further bolstering this collaboration, MBDA UK and BDL have been working on the establishment of an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad. This facility will not only arm India’s fighter jets but also position India as a global exporter of advanced missile systems. On the maritime front, a Statement of Intent was signed to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. This partnership between GE Vernova and BHEL aims to deliver India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, ensuring that the LPD fleet is operational by 2030. These initiatives signify a transfer of critical technologies, enabling India to achieve self-reliance in naval power and propulsion systems.
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, emphasized the importance of these agreements in supporting India’s self-reliance goals, stating, “India is taking significant steps in its journey to becoming Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.”
The involvement of leading British companies such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, and others at Aero India 2025 further highlights the scale and scope of this partnership. The UK’s investment of £69 million to secure Thales UK’s supply chain for missile components demonstrates the seriousness of its commitment to this collaboration. This investment will bolster manufacturing capacity for global exports, with BDL playing an integral role in the supply chain.
The agreements signed between the UK and India signify more than just defence collaboration; they represent a shared vision for innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth. The transfer of cutting-edge technologies, such as maritime electric propulsion systems, will ensure that India’s defence forces are equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities while reducing reliance on imports. Moreover, these initiatives will create new opportunities for job creation, skill development, and industrial growth in both nations.
The strengthening of UK-India defence ties is a win-win scenario for both countries. For India, it represents a significant step forward in its Atmanirbhar Bharat ambition, fostering indigenous manufacturing and technological advancements. For the UK, it aligns with its growth agenda and Plan for Change, while positioning itself as a trusted partner in India’s defence modernization. As these agreements are implemented, they will not only enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations but also contribute to global stability and security in an increasingly interconnected world.
