UK-India Strategic Partnership Takes Leap Forward at Aero India 2025
Bengaluru: The United Kingdom and India have taken a significant step forward in strengthening their defence ties with the signing of several landmark agreements at Aero India 2025.
A key highlight of the agreements are partnership between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM) and High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak). This collaboration is expected to enhance cooperation in air defence and pave the way for joint development and production of next-generation weapons.
UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that it will help strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations and support India’s defence modernization efforts.
“Our Defence Partnership and the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion will help strengthen our cooperation further, supporting economic growth in both our countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition.” said Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister.
In addition to the Thales-BDL partnership, MBDA UK and BDL are working together on the installation of an Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad.
The UK and India have also signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. GE Vernova and BHEL are collaborating to develop India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, with the aim of delivering LPD in the water by 2030.
“India is taking significant steps in its journey to become Atmanirbhar in its defence capabilities. The UK is really looking forward to working with India as a partner of choice in supporting this ambition: collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security.” said Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India.
The strengthened UK-India defence partnership is expected to support economic growth in both countries and India’s Atmanirbhar ambition, while addressing mutual security concerns and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The British companies which are participating at Aero India 2025 are Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova, Leonardo, Strongfield Technologies, ASL, SEKO Logistics, Jaguar Engineering Centre of Excellence, Aviation Defence Supplies Ltd and Ricardo.
