UK Signs $468 Million Deal to Supply Missiles to India

Post by : Monika

In a significant move to strengthen defence cooperation, Britain has signed a deal to supply India with lightweight missiles. The agreement is worth 350 million pounds, which is approximately $468 million. This contract marks a major step in the growing partnership between the United Kingdom and India in defence and technology.

The news came during the visit of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India. He met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai to discuss trade, defence, and international cooperation. During the visit, both leaders highlighted the importance of working together on strategic projects. They said the missile deal is a symbol of trust and collaboration between the two countries.

Under the deal, the missiles will be produced by Thales, a British defence company, at its factory in Northern Ireland. This factory is already known for making similar missiles for Ukraine. The new contract will secure 700 jobs at the Northern Ireland factory. This is important because it shows that international defence contracts also support local economies and create employment opportunities.

The lightweight missiles that India will receive are designed to be easy to transport and use. They can be carried by soldiers on the ground and can be launched against various targets. These missiles are not the largest or most powerful in the world, but they are very precise and reliable. Their design focuses on accuracy and mobility, which makes them suitable for modern battle situations where speed and precision are important.

British Prime Minister Starmer said that the deal is part of a larger plan to expand Britain’s defence exports. He has been promoting the country’s defence industry for the last year. His goal is to increase exports, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. Defence exports are not just about selling weapons; they also include technology sharing, training, and creating partnerships with other countries.

India and Britain have been working together on defence projects for many years. This new deal is not the first time the two countries have cooperated. In the past, India has purchased naval ships, aircraft, and other defence equipment from Britain. The new missile contract is special because it involves advanced technology and joint work between Indian and British experts. Both sides will benefit from knowledge transfer and training.

The missile contract also comes at a time when global security is very important. Many countries are updating their defence systems to be ready for modern threats. Lightweight and precise missiles are considered essential in modern military strategy. They allow armies to respond quickly without using heavy or complicated equipment. This is especially useful in areas with rough terrain or where large vehicles cannot move easily.

The British government said that this agreement is only the beginning of a wider defence partnership with India. Both countries are discussing future projects that could include more advanced weapons, joint military exercises, and technology sharing. There is also talk about building missiles and other defence systems together in India, which would create more jobs and expertise locally.

In addition to missiles, Britain and India are exploring other areas of defence collaboration. For example, both countries signed a separate 250 million pound deal for electric-powered engines for naval ships. These engines are more environmentally friendly and reduce fuel use. They also help modernize India’s navy, making it faster, quieter, and more efficient. This shows that defence cooperation is not only about weapons but also about technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the missile deal and said that India values strong defence ties with friendly countries. He highlighted that partnerships like this help India strengthen its security and protect its borders. At the same time, these partnerships support India’s growing defence industry and its plan to become more self-reliant. India has been focusing on producing more defence equipment within the country, but international collaborations help in learning new technologies and improving quality.

The missile contract also shows that Britain is eager to work closely with India in Asia. India is considered a key partner for the UK because of its growing economy, strategic location, and role in regional security.

By supplying missiles and working on joint projects, Britain is not only boosting its defence exports but also strengthening diplomatic ties. These kinds of deals often lead to long-term partnerships that go beyond defence, including trade, education, and technology.

Security experts said that lightweight missiles are important because they can be quickly deployed in emergencies. They are easier to transport compared to larger missiles or heavy artillery. Soldiers can carry them over long distances, and they can be launched from different locations. Their precision makes them very effective in military operations where accuracy is more important than size or explosive power.

The Northern Ireland factory where these missiles will be made is also an important part of Britain’s defence strategy. Protecting jobs and investing in local industry is one of the goals of Prime Minister Starmer’s defence export plan.

The factory has been producing missiles for years, and this new contract ensures that it will continue operating at full capacity. This also helps the local economy, as employees earn steady wages and the factory purchases materials and services from nearby businesses.

Analysts said that India’s decision to buy these missiles reflects its focus on modernizing its military. India has been upgrading its army, navy, and air force to face new security challenges. This includes improving technology, increasing mobility, and enhancing precision in its weapons. Buying missiles from Britain allows India to access tested and reliable systems while also learning how to operate and maintain them efficiently.

Both Prime Minister Starmer and Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the deal is about partnership and not just sales. They mentioned that joint projects like these involve training, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on research.

This kind of cooperation strengthens trust and ensures that both countries benefit from the agreement. India gains advanced technology, and Britain expands its defence exports while creating jobs at home.

The deal also strengthens the broader relationship between India and Britain. Over the years, both countries have signed trade agreements and collaborated on energy, technology, and education. Defence agreements like this one complement these efforts. They show that the two nations are committed to working together on global challenges and maintaining regional stability.

Experts said that such deals are increasingly important because global security is becoming more complex. Countries need to be prepared for new threats, including cyber-attacks, terrorism, and regional conflicts. Lightweight and precise weapons are part of the solution because they allow armies to respond quickly and efficiently. In the future, India and Britain may also work on more advanced technologies such as drones, smart missiles, and electronic defence systems.

Prime Minister Starmer has highlighted that Britain’s defence industry is one of the most advanced in the world. By exporting weapons and technology, the UK strengthens its influence globally while supporting domestic jobs.

This missile deal is an example of how defence exports can benefit both the exporting country and the importing country. India gets advanced systems, and Britain creates jobs and strengthens its economy.

 the $468 million missile deal between Britain and India is a landmark agreement. It secures jobs in Northern Ireland, strengthens defence cooperation, and opens the door for future projects. Both countries are focused on building long-term partnerships that go beyond just selling weapons. They aim to collaborate on technology, training, and innovation while boosting regional security.

This deal also highlights how international defence partnerships work in the modern world. Countries like India and Britain not only exchange weapons but also share knowledge, train personnel, and collaborate on research. Such agreements benefit both nations, support local economies, and strengthen global security.

With this new contract, India’s defence capabilities will become more precise and mobile, while Britain will continue to grow its defence industry and maintain global partnerships. This cooperation between the two nations is expected to continue in the coming years, creating more opportunities for joint projects and stronger ties between India and Britain.