Air-to-air missiles of UK origin will be manufactured and exported from India.
In an effort to improve bilateral defense cooperation with India, the United Kingdom (UK) formally established the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) on February 10, 2025. This cell is part of the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The statement was made in conjunction with the signing of many defense agreements between the two countries at Aero India.
Important Elements of the India-Defense Partnership (DP-I):
The UK’s Ministry of Defence has a specialized unit called the DP-I. It serves as a one-stop shop for improving defense cooperation between the two countries. The effort aims to improve relationships and expedite defense procurement and technology sharing procedures. Its objectives are to improve security cooperation, increase joint defense production, and improve interoperability.
Important Contracts and Agreements Signed at Aero India 2025:
A deal for Laser Beam Riding Manpads (LBRMs) was reached between Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). High-velocity STARStreak missiles are part of the first supply. Additionally, BDL and Thales will work together to manufacture LMMs in India, including the Indian sector into Thales’ worldwide supply chain.
MBDA UK and BDL are building an Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) manufacturing plant in Hyderabad. This plant will support exports and produce missiles for the Jaguar and TEJAS MK-1A.
In order to provide additional naval capabilities, a Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed regarding the design and development of an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) System. The power and propulsion capabilities of India’s naval force would be strengthened by this deal.
According to the UK announcement, Thales and BDL will continue to work together to create Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) once this first LBRM deal is signed. “This strengthens and broadens the collaboration between Indian and British industry, establishing the groundwork for BDL and Indian industry to play a crucial role in Thales’ worldwide supply chain,” the statement said. “It will facilitate interoperability by both armies, create jobs in both countries, and address mutual security concerns.”
A first-of-its-kind ASRAAM assembly and test facility for missiles that would be carried by the Jaguar and TEJAS MK-1A will be installed in Hyderabad, according to the announcement by MBDA U.K. and BDL. The missiles will also be produced here for export, according to officials.
These agreements aim to enhance India’s indigenous defence capabilities, support exports, boost job creation and industrial growth, and strengthen interoperability and security cooperation between the two countries. They also align with the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.