New Delhi — India and the United Kingdom have made significant progress toward expanding long-term strategic and industrial defense cooperation. Both countries are preparing to sign two inter-governmental agreements regarding the development of advanced electric propulsion systems for Indian Naval warships and the production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles.
Under the agreement, an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system is planned for development and installation in four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) being built for the Indian Navy. This system is expected to increase the energy efficiency of warships while supporting the operation of additional sensors, radars, and electronic systems.
India and the UK had already reached an understanding in 2024 to jointly design, develop, and manufacture naval electric propulsion systems. The currently proposed inter-governmental agreement will move this collaboration into a practical phase. To test this technology in India, GE Vernova and India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) are also pushing forward plans to set up a land-based test facility.
Another crucial aspect of defense cooperation is the production of the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). Preparations are underway to expand missile manufacturing in India by combining UK technology with Indian industrial capability. This is expected to give a boost to India’s defense manufacturing capacity and local production.
Previously, the UK had already advanced defense industrial cooperation with India in areas including the Starstreak air defense system and LMM. Both nations have adopted a policy of expanding cooperation in defense industry, research and development, joint military exercises, and technology transfer.
Interested in this ad?
Would you like to continue to the link or provide your information for more details?
Please provide your information
To continue, please fill in your details
During the 25th meeting of the India-UK Defence Consultative Group held in New Delhi on August 21, both sides discussed expanding defense industrial cooperation, R&D, joint exercises, training, and maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
In recent years, India has been pursuing a strategy to expand its naval capabilities and boost domestic defense production. For the UK, India’s vast defense market and growing strategic role in the Indian Ocean region make bilateral defense ties increasingly vital.
This growing cooperation between India and the UK is also viewed as an important strategic development against the backdrop of changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region and China’s expanding naval influence. Both countries have put forward a framework for long-term defense industrial cooperation under 'Vision 2035'.
Key takeaway of the news: India and the UK are no longer limited to mere buying and selling of defense equipment, but are moving toward joint research, technology development, and production.
