UK, India to collaborate on next-generation weapons development
What's the story
The United Kingdom and India have signed an agreement to strengthen their defense partnership, particularly in the development of next-generation weapons.
UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker announced the deal at the Aero India 2025 show in Bengaluru on Monday.
"India is taking significant steps in its journey to become 'Atmanirbhar' in its defense capabilities," he said.
DP-I launch
New initiative launched to strengthen UK-India defense partnership
To take the UK-India collaboration to the next level, a new initiative, Defence Partnership-India (DP-I), has been launched.
Under the agreement, Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have signed a contract to supply laser beam riding MANPADs (LBRM).
The first delivery will consist of high-velocity missiles (STARStreak) and launchers.
Both companies will also work together to produce lightweight multirole missiles.
Bilateral benefits
UK-India defense partnership to boost economic growth
Several British companies are participating in Aero India 2025, including Thales UK, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, GE Vernova among others.
Lord Coaker expressed his enthusiasm for the growing defense relationship between the two nations.
"It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defense relationship," he said.
"Our defense partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further," he added.
Cooperation review
UK and India review ongoing defense cooperation
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Lord Coaker to review ongoing defense cooperation. Their discussions focused on industrial collaboration and maritime security.
A dedicated program office within the UK's Ministry of Defence will facilitate bilateral defense collaboration.
British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, highlighted India's progress toward becoming self-reliant in defense capabilities.
Strategic support
UK supports India's Atmanirbhar ambition in defense
Cameron said, "The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition."
MBDA UK and BDL are working on an advanced short-range air-to-air missile assembly facility in Hyderabad. It will equip India's fighter jets and support exports worldwide.
On the maritime front, the UK and India signed a statement of intent for an integrated full electric propulsion system for India's next-generation landing platform dock fleet (LPD) by 2030.