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Context:
The United Kingdom (UK) has launched the Defence Partnership India (DPI), a dedicated cell within the UK Ministry of Defence to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with India. The announcement was made during Aero India, where multiple defence agreements were signed between the two nations.
Key Highlights:
Establishment of DPI
- DPI is the “one stop shop” in the UK Ministry of Defence to deepen UK India defence cooperation.
- Aimed by UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker at UK India Defence Partnership pavilion at Aero India.
- Intends to enhance interoperability, boost joint defence production, and strengthen security cooperation.
Defence Agreements signed at Aero India
- Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) & Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM)
- Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) concluded a contract for Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRMs).
- STAR Streak
- First delivery of the STAR Streak high velocity missiles and launchers is due this year.
- Thales and BDL
- Collaboration between Thales and BDL for production of LMMs in India. The Indian industry would become a part of the Thales’ global supply chain
- ASRAAM Assembly & Test Facility
- MBDA UK and BDL to establish an ASRAAM production facility at Hyderabad. These will arm the Jaguar and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A.
- Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) System for Indian Navy Ships
- There was a Statement of Intent (SoI) on the design and development of an IFEP system for offering more naval capabilities.
The UK India Defence Partnership India (DPI) is one step forward towards joint defence production, increased security cooperation, and supply chain integration. The agreements signed at Aero India will not only boost indigenous defence manufacturing but also foster strategic interoperability between the two countries.
