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India-UK Defence Collaboration

Last updated on February 11th, 2025 Posted on February 11, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  628

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations

Context

  • India and the United Kingdom have signed multiple agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral defence collaboration.

Key Agreements and Collaborations

  • Defence Partnership–India (DP-I): Establishment of a dedicated programme office within the UK’s Ministry of Defence to serve as a one-stop hub for bilateral defence collaboration.
    • Aims to facilitate deeper cooperation and support economic growth in both countries.
  • Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM): India and the UK signed a contract for the delivery of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS).
    • The initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers is set for delivery this year.
  • Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM): Focuses on integrating Indian and British industries into the global defence supply chain.
  • Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM): Collaboration to establish an ASRAAM assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad.
  • Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) System: A Statement of Intent was signed to design and develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet.
    • Both nations are working to establish India’s first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility, with a goal to deliver the LPD in water by 2030.
india-uk-bilateral-defence-projects
Defense Cooperation Between India and UK
– Over the past decade, only about 3% of India’s defence acquisitions came from the UK.
– Modern Collaborative Frameworks:
1. Defense and International Security Partnership (DISP), 2015: It aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, and defense manufacturing.
2. Defense Equipment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): It facilitates collaboration between defense industries of both countries, promoting co-development and co-production initiatives.
1. India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue.
– Joint Military Exercises and Training:
1. Exercise Ajeya Warrior;
2. Exercise Konkan;
3. Exercise Cobra Warrior;
4. Exercise Tarang Shakti.
– Defense Industrial Collaboration: A Letter of Arrangement was signed between India’s DRDO and the UK’s DSTL to collaborate on defense research, emphasizing areas like Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy.
– Maritime Cooperation: Promoting freedom of navigation and open access, and improving maritime cooperation, with a new Maritime Dialogue, Grey and Dark Shipping information sharing and mechanisms.

Key Concerns

  • India-UK defence cooperation has often been derailed by the ‘three-I’ challenge posed by Indian rules and regulations pertaining to:
    • Foreign Investment;
    • Intellectual Property Rights;
    • Indigenous Content Requirements.

Strategic Significance

  • These agreements represent a significant step forward in India-U.K. defence cooperation, particularly in critical areas such as air defence and maritime propulsion. 
  • It aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, promoting indigenous defence capabilities and technological advancements.

Source: TH

 
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