India-UK Defence Collaboration

General Studies Paper -2

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.

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.