UK Seals $468M Missile Supply Deal with India

UK Seals $468M Missile Supply Deal with India


Britain has signed a £350 million ($468 million) contract to supply the Indian Army with UK-manufactured lightweight missiles, marking a major step in strengthening defence and trade relations between the two countries.

The announcement was made on Thursday during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following the signing of a new trade deal earlier this year.

According to a statement from the British government, the contract covers the supply of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) produced by Thales in Northern Ireland — the same factory currently manufacturing similar weapons for Ukraine. The deal is expected to secure around 700 jobs in the UK’s defence sector.

“The deal paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership between the UK and India, currently under negotiation between the two governments,” the statement said.

The agreement forms part of Starmer’s broader strategy to boost Britain’s defence exports and stimulate economic growth. Over the past year, the UK has secured several major international contracts, including a $13.5 billion frigate deal with Norway, and pledged to align defence spending with NATO targets.

In addition to the missile deal, Britain also announced a new milestone in its naval technology collaboration with India, signing the next phase of a £250 million agreement to develop electric-powered engines for warships.

Both sides hailed the agreements as key steps toward a long-term defence partnership, combining British technology expertise with India’s growing role as a regional security power.

Melissa Enoch

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Source: Arise

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