In a significant step to strengthen its defense capabilities, India has finalized a $468 million missile deal with the United Kingdom, marking a major milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries. The agreement, announced on October 10, 2025, focuses on joint production and supply of advanced missile systems aimed at enhancing India’s maritime and air defense infrastructure.
The deal underlines the growing strategic partnership between India and the UK, with both having committed to deeper defense cooperation under the India-UK 2030 Roadmap. It also aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which emphasize indigenous production and technology sharing in defense manufacturing.
Details of the $468 million agreement
According to official sources, the agreement involves a contract between India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and MBDA Systems, a major European defense manufacturer based in the UK. The deal encompasses the production, integration, and maintenance of next-generation air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Armed Forces.
The contract will provide India with state-of-the-art missile systems designed for enhanced accuracy, longer range and superior target-tracking capabilities. These advanced weapons are expected to be deployed in the Indian Navy and Air Force to strengthen coastal and air defense operations.
The initial phase of the project will focus on joint manufacturing of missile components in India with technology transfer from MBDA. The objective of this collaboration is to boost India’s domestic defense ecosystem and reduce dependence on imports.
A senior defense official stated,
“This agreement is not just about acquiring advanced weapon systems but also about strengthening our defense industrial base. The technology transfer will open new avenues for Indian engineers and scientists.”
Strengthening India-UK Defense Ties
The missile deal is part of a broader effort to deepen India-UK defense ties, which have gained momentum over the past few years. Both countries have been working closely on defense research, military training, and naval exercises, such as the Konkan series of joint naval drills.
British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps praised the agreement, calling it “a landmark step toward a modern, cooperative defense partnership.” He noted that the deal reflects the UK’s support for India’s defense modernization goals and the shared vision of ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the mutual trust and technological cooperation between the two countries.
“This partnership showcases India’s growing defense capabilities and the confidence that global defense powers have in our manufacturing potential,” Singh said.
Boost to India’s Indigenous Manufacturing
One of the key features of the deal is the focus on indigenous production under the Make in India initiative. About 60% of the components for the missile systems will be manufactured in India, ensuring growth of local industries, small and medium enterprises and defense startups.
The deal will also create over 1,200 new technical and engineering jobs in India while supporting skill development in defense technology. The project is expected to increase India’s expertise in missile assembly, testing and guidance systems – areas considered critical for self-reliance in defense production.
Additionally, the collaboration also includes the establishment of a joint test and research facility in Hyderabad, where Indian and British scientists will work together to develop future missile variants and improve system capabilities.
Strategic importance and regional impact
Experts believe that the new missile system will significantly enhance India’s strategic readiness, especially amid growing security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its borders.
Defense analyst Lieutenant General (retd) S.P. Bakshi said,
“This agreement comes at a critical time when India is modernizing its armed forces. The new systems will improve response time, target accuracy and deterrent capabilities against potential threats.”
The deal is also seen as a response to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and the need for India to maintain technological parity with other regional powers. With the induction of Britain’s advanced defense technology, India aims to enhance its missile strength and maintain strategic balance in the region.
Part of the India-UK 2030 Roadmap
The missile deal aligns with the India-UK 2030 Roadmap, which seeks to deepen cooperation across defense, trade, education, and climate action. Both nations have reiterated their commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, with defense partnerships playing a key role in ensuring regional stability.
Over the past few years, India and the UK have also collaborated on cyber defense, maritime security, and defense innovation. The latest agreement is expected to serve as a foundation for future projects in advanced weapons systems, radar technology, and electronic warfare.
Conclusion
The $468 million India-UK missile deal marks a major milestone in the evolving defense relationship between the two nations. Beyond the immediate benefits of advanced weaponry, the agreement reflects a deeper strategic alignment built on trust, technology sharing, and mutual security interests.
For India, it represents another step toward achieving defense self-reliance and enhancing its position as a global defense manufacturing hub. For the UK, it reinforces its presence and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
As both nations move forward under their 2030 vision, the deal stands as a testament to a shared commitment — to peace, technological progress, and a stronger, safer world.
