At Aero India 2025, one of the standout agreements between the United Kingdom and India is the significant deal between Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). This partnership aims to enhance India’s air defence capabilities, marking an important step in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence sector.
The Indian Army as part of its modernization plan intends to replace the existing Russian Igla-S systems and the Defence PSU BDL had already bagged a contract from the Indian Army for the same under emergency procurement.
The contract focuses on delivering advanced Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM) and an initial supply of STARStreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) and launchers, scheduled for delivery later this year. This collaboration will not only strengthen air defence but will also lay the foundation for more advanced weapon systems in the future.
The deal further extends to the production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), with BDL set to become an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain. This collaboration will help enhance both nations’ security, create job opportunities, and improve interoperability between their armed forces.
UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker opened the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, which marked the establishment of a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence to serve as a single window system to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
According to an official statement issued by the British High Commission, New Delhi, Lord Vernon Coaker, UK Defence Minister, said: “ 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.”
Adding, “This event showcases our collaboration in next generation capability, and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together.”
“This is a historic moment for India’s defence capabilities,” said Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India. “India’s strides towards becoming self-reliant in its defence technologies are truly commendable, and the UK is proud to be part of this transformation. These agreements will not only serve our mutual security interests but will also foster innovation and economic growth in both our nations.”
The partnership also includes establishing India’s first Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad. This facility will equip India’s fighter jets with advanced missile technologies, making India a key player in the global defence export market.
Expanding UK-India Defence Cooperation
The UK and India also signed a Statement of Intent to develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. This collaboration, involving GE Vernova and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), will lead to the creation of India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, with the goal of delivering a fully operational LPD by 2030.
These agreements demonstrate the growing strength of the UK-India defence partnership and its vital role in advancing India’s `Atmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition.
With these key agreements, the UK and India are positioning themselves as leaders in defence technology and manufacturing. The continued cooperation between the two nations is expected to play a transformative role in shaping the future of global security and defence innovation.
Participating UK Companies at Aero India 2025 include 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.