In a big step towards the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, India and the United Kingdom (UK) strengthened their strategic partnership on Monday. They officially launched Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) and signed several defence agreements at Aero India 2025. One of the key agreements was a major contract between Thales UK, a leading aerospace and defence company and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a public sector defence enterprise.

UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker has launched the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, introducing a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence. This office will serve as a central hub to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries, as stated in an official release by the British Deputy High Commission in Bengaluru. "The UK and India have today (Monday) agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and BDL. Thales and BDL have signed a contract that will deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers to be delivered this year," stated the official release, mentioning that this contract "represents an important next step for UK-Indian defence co-operation in the critical area of air defence."

The UK Defence Minister said, "It was a pleasure to visit India and continue to grow our already strong defence relationship. 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. This event showcases our collaboration in next-generation capability and the massive potential the UK and India can unlock by working together," added Lord Coaker.

BDL and Thales UK will continue to work together to build Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) after the initial LBRM contract is signed. "This develops and expands the partnership between Indian and British industry, laying the foundation for BDL and Indian industry to form an integral part of Thales’ global supply chain," according to the press release. It will also address "mutual security concerns, create jobs in both countries, and enable interoperability by both armies" . Additionally, this will boost Thales' production capacity for exporting worldwide. 

MBDA UK, the British division of the European missile systems company, is working with BDL to set up India’s first Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad. This facility will supply missiles for India’s fighter jets and also support exports to other countries, according to an official statement. According to the press release, India and the UK have agreed to design and build an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India's next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet. PSU Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and General Electric (GE) Vernova are constructing India's first marine land-based testing facility as part of the next steps, hoping to have the LPD in the water by 2030. "The landmark maritime electric propulsion capability transfer will ensure self-reliance in the power and propulsion of the Indian Navy's next-generation fleets," added the official release. An LPD is a type of amphibious warfare ship built to carry, transport, and launch troops for military missions.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said, "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." The High Commissioner added, "Collaborating on defence technologies lies at the heart of this. These are landmark agreements that support our economic growth and joint security." In keeping with the government's 'Make in India' agenda, Rolls-Royce, the British manufacturer of power and propulsion systems for land, sea, and air, said in a separate statement on Monday that it plans to quadruple its supply chain sourcing in India by 2030. 

"Rolls-Royce is reinforcing its commitment to India, signalling its intent to double its supply chain sourcing from the country over the next five years," said the release, adding, "Rolls-Royce sources a wide range of high-precision parts and engine components for its Civil Aerospace, Defence and Power Systems businesses from numerous Indian partners, and has long-term plans to grow India’s participation in its global supply chain." Rolls-Royce plans to strengthen its role in India's defense sector by sourcing more complex parts for advanced aerospace engines, naval propulsion systems, diesel engines, and gas turbine engines. “This strategic initiative also aligns with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s call for greater integration of Indian companies into global supply chains, made during his recent visit to the UK,” it added.

Speaking about the company's plans, Rolls-Royce Chief Transformation Officer Nicola Grady-Smith said, "Over the years, Rolls-Royce has helped bolster in-country manufacturing capabilities to meet the highest global quality standards. The focus is now on strengthening relationships with both existing and potential future Indian suppliers, to help develop capabilities to manufacture complex engine components locally for global markets." "Strengthening the supply chain and enhancing ecosystem capabilities at this time will create a solid foundation for future co-production opportunities and support India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant defence powerhouse," said Alex Zino, Executive VP for Business Development and Future Programs at Rolls-Royce (Defence), in response to the announcement at Aero India 2025. 

Several British companies will participate in Aero India 2025, including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, MBDA UK, Thales UK, GE Vernova and Leonardo. Other companies joining the event are Strongfield Technologies, ASL, SEKO Logistics, Jaguar Engineering Centre of Excellence, Aviation Defence Supplies Ltd and Ricardo.