UK signs £350m deal to supply India with air defence missiles

Two figures shake hands against a world map backdrop, symbolizing international cooperation and strategic partnerships. (Illustrative image - AI generated) Upday Stock Images

The UK has secured a £350 million contract to supply the Indian Army with air defence missiles and launchers. The lightweight-multirole weapons will be manufactured in Northern Ireland, protecting more than 700 jobs at the Thales facility.

The same missile system is already being produced for Ukraine at the company's east Belfast plant. These advanced weapons can fly at one and a half times the speed of sound and strike targets more than six kilometres away, capable of attacking enemy vehicles, boats and drones.

Naval collaboration expands

A separate agreement worth an initial £250 million will advance UK-India collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval ships. This additional deal demonstrates the expanding scope of defence cooperation between the two nations.

The announcements coincide with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's (Labour) two-day trade mission to Mumbai. The UK Carrier Strike Group is simultaneously conducting joint air and naval exercises with the Indian navy in the western Indian Ocean.

Strategic partnership deepens

Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted the significance of these agreements for both countries. "The defence deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs," Healey said.

He expressed hope that these contracts would pave the way for deeper relationships between the defence industries of both nations. Healey particularly emphasised future collaboration in electric engine development for naval ships and air defence systems.

Ukraine connection

The Belfast facility previously secured a major contract to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air defence missiles. That deal, announced in March, was worth up to £1.6 billion and funded through a loan underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.