U.K. Launches ‘Defence Partnership–India’

On 10th February 2025, the United Kingdom formally launched “Defence Partnership–India” (DP-I), a dedicated cell within the U.K. Ministry of Defence aimed at deepening defence collaboration with India.

Key Points

Dedicated DP-I Cell: The U.K. Defence Ministry established DP-I as a one-stop platform to enhance bilateral defence ties and industrial partnerships.
Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) & Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM): Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed a contract for the supply of STARStreak high-velocity missiles and launchers. Future collaboration will extend to LMM production.
ASRAAM Assembly in India: MBDA U.K. and BDL are setting up an Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in Hyderabad.
The missiles will be used in Jaguar and LCA-Mk1A aircraft and manufactured for export.
Maritime Collaboration: A Statement of Intent (SoI) was signed to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s Navy.
GE Vernova and BHEL are working on India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility to support Landing Platform Dock (LPD) development by 2030.