Introduction
India and the United Kingdom have taken significant steps to enhance bilateral defence cooperation with the formal launch of the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) and several key agreements announced at Aero India 2025. These agreements focus on air defence systems, missile production, and naval advancements, further strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Launch of Defence Partnership–India (DP-I)
The U.K. Ministry of Defence has established DP-I, a dedicated cell aimed at deepening defence collaboration with India. This initiative will serve as a centralized platform to facilitate joint projects, streamline cooperation, and enhance strategic ties between the two nations.
Key Defence Agreements and Developments
1. Production of MANPADS and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM)
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- A contract was signed between Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of Laser Beam-Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (LBRMs).
- The agreement includes the supply of STARStreak high-velocity missiles and launchers, strengthening India’s air defence capabilities.
- Following this, Thales and BDL will collaborate on producing Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), integrating Indian industries into Thales’ global supply chain, ensuring interoperability, and creating jobs in both nations.
- A contract was signed between Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of Laser Beam-Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (LBRMs).
2. Establishment of ASRAAM Assembly and Test Facility
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- A first-of-its-kind Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility will be set up in Hyderabad.
- This facility will manufacture ASRAAM missiles for India’s Jaguar and Light Combat Aircraft-Mk1A, supporting domestic defence production and exports.
- A first-of-its-kind Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility will be set up in Hyderabad.
3. Maritime Cooperation and Naval Advancements
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- A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed for the design and development of an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
- Collaboration between General Electric (GE) Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) aims to develop India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, with LPDs expected to be operational by 2030.
- A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed for the design and development of an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
Advancing India’s Self-Reliance in Defence
These agreements align with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, reinforcing its defence manufacturing capabilities while fostering technological and industrial partnerships with the U.K. The collaboration supports economic growth, security interests, and long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Conclusion
The launch of DP-I and the signing of multiple high-impact agreements at Aero India 2025 mark a new phase in India-U.K. defence relations. These initiatives will enhance India’s air and naval capabilities, integrate domestic industries into the global supply chain, and set the stage for long-term defence collaboration.
