UK and India Expand Defence Cooperation with New Agreements at Aero India 2025
The UK and India have signed a series of defence agreements at Aero India 2025, focusing on missile technology, air defence systems, and naval propulsion. The partnerships involve collaborations between Indian and British defence companies, aligning with India’s push for domestic defence manufacturing.
One of the key agreements is between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM) and High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak). This partnership aims to advance air defence capabilities and facilitate joint production. Separately, MBDA UK and BDL are establishing an assembly and testing facility for Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM) in Hyderabad.
In the naval sector, the two countries have signed a Statement of Intent to co-develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. GE Vernova and BHEL are working on a land-based testing facility for maritime propulsion, with an expected LPD delivery target of 2030.
UK Defence Minister Vernon Coaker stated that the agreements reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen defence ties and economic cooperation between the two nations. British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron also noted that defence technology collaboration remains a central aspect of the partnership.
Aero India 2025 features participation from multiple UK defence companies, including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, Leonardo, and Strongfield Technologies.