The UK Embassy’s Defence Section recently praised the India-UK partnership in the defense sector, marking 2025 as a remarkable year. This year featured historic naval exercises and collaborative industrial efforts.
They launched the Defence Partnership – India (DP-I) at Aero India 2025, creating a dedicated program office in the UK Ministry of Defence. This initiative aims to enhance defense collaboration between the two nations.
Significant contracts were signed, including one between Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited for Laser Beam Riding MANPADs. The UK also delivered STARStreak missiles. In Hyderabad, MBDA UK and BDL set up a unique ASRAAM facility, which will boost job creation and capabilities in both nations. This aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative focused on self-reliance.
Maritime collaboration reached new heights as HMS Prince of Wales and INS Vikrant conducted joint exercises, the first of their kind, in the Western Indian Ocean. This enriched their naval capabilities and strengthened operational ties.
The biennial Indo-UK Army exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior VIII’ wrapped up on November 30 after two weeks of rigorous training in Rajasthan. This year’s focus was on peace-enforcement operations in counterterrorism scenarios, as outlined in the United Nations’ Chapter 7. The exercise simulated operations in both urban and semi-urban settings, showcasing a commitment to improving interoperability and complexity in joint missions.
Experts note that partnerships like these not only enhance security but also drive economic growth. According to a report from the UK Defence Solutions Centre, collaboration in defense drives supply chain resilience and job creation, benefiting communities across both nations.
As 2025 ends, there’s optimism for 2026. Shared commitments to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region signal a promising future for India-UK defense ties.
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