Historic milestones redefine military and industrial cooperation this year

2025 has emerged as a transformative chapter for the UK-India defence partnership. Moving beyond traditional buyer-seller dynamics, the two nations have successfully shifted toward deep industrial collaboration and strategic synergy. A central pillar of this progress was the launch of Defence Partnership - India (DP-I) during Aero India 2025. This initiative established a dedicated project office within the UK Ministry of Defence, specifically designed to accelerate bilateral military projects.

Industrial milestones dominated the year’s agenda. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a key player with significant interests for Indian defence manufacturing, partnered with Thales for STARStreak missile systems. Furthermore, MBDA UK and BDL inaugurated a first-of-its-kind ASRAAM facility in Hyderabad. These ventures align perfectly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, creating high-skilled jobs and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities while securing international supply chains.

The maritime sector witnessed unprecedented cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean. In a historic first, the British and Indian carrier strike groups—led by HMS Prince of Wales and INS Vikrant—joined forces for Exercise Konkan. This massive naval drill demonstrated the growing interoperability between the two navies, a critical factor for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, both nations signed a Statement of Intent to develop advanced Integrated Full Electric Propulsion systems for India’s future Landing Platform Dock fleet.

On land, the military bond was further solidified through Exercise Ajeya Warrior VIII in Rajasthan. British and Indian army units engaged in rigorous counter-terrorism training, sharing tactical expertise in complex urban environments. These exercises, conducted under UN mandates, ensure that both forces are prepared for evolving global security threats.

As the UK-India Vision 2035 roadmap unfolds, these achievements signal a future of shared prosperity. By working together, these two major democracies are not only enhancing their own national security but also building a resilient industrial base that benefits the wider global community.