By establishing Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) and signing multiple defence agreements, the UK and India strengthened their strategic partnership at Aero India 2025.
The UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, which will serve as a specialized program office within the UK Ministry of Defence to enhance cooperation between the two nations, was opened by UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker along with the announcement of DP-I.
A contract for the delivery of Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), which includes an initial supply of launchers and High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak), was signed by Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). For defence cooperation between the UK and India, particularly in air defence, this contract represents a major advancement.
In order to equip India’s fighter jets and enable exports, MBDA UK and BDL are collaborating to build an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad.
In order to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet, the UK and India signed a Statement of Intent. In order to deliver the LPD in water by 2030, GE Vernova and BHEL are working together to build India’s first maritime land-based testing facility.
In addition to addressing security issues, the partnership seeks to support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, boost economic growth in both nations, generate employment, and improve military interoperability.
With BDL playing a key role, the UK is spending £69 million to secure Thales UK’s missile component supply chain, which will increase manufacturing capacity for international exports.
“The UK is proud to be part of India’s transformation toward self-reliance in defense technologies,” said British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron. She underlined that these accords will support both countries’ economic development and innovation in addition to their shared security interests.
