India, UK Fire Up Defense Cooperation With Joint Development – The Diplomat (https://fonts.gstatic.com) (https://fonts.googleapis.com/) (../../../wp-content/plugins/compact-wp-audio-player/css/flashblock.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/compact-wp-audio-player/css/player.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/captcha/css/front_end_style.css) (../../../wp-content/plugins/captcha/css/desktop_style.css) (../../../../fonts.googleapis.com/css@family=Noto+Sans%253A400,400i,700,700i%257CNoto+Serif%253A400,400i,700,700i.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/style.css) (index.html) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/global.min.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/story.min.css) (../../../dpl-web/20260107/css/main.38b8c29c.css) (../../../wp-content/themes/td_theme_v3/build/20190918/css/print.min.css) All Sections Search (https://thediplomat.com/) Read The Diplomat , Know The Asia-Pacific (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia | (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features | All Regions (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia Topics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society Blogs (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense (https://thediplomat.com/category/china-power/) China Power (https://thediplomat.com/category/crossroads-asia/) Crossroads Asia (https://thediplomat.com/category/flashpoints/) Flashpoints (https://thediplomat.com/category/oceania/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/category/pacific-money/) Pacific Money (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-debate/) The Debate (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-koreas/) The Koreas (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-pulse/) The Pulse (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-report/) Tokyo Report (https://thediplomat.com/category/trans-pacific-view/) Trans-Pacific View More (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/category/interviews/) Interviews (https://thediplomat.com/category/photo-essays/) Photo Essays (https://thediplomat.com/category/podcasts/) Podcasts (https://thediplomat.com/category/videos/) Videos Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter The Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/) Home Page (https://thediplomat.com/the-diplomat/) About Us (https://thediplomat.com/contact-us/) Contact Us (https://thediplomat.com/write-for-us/) Write for Us (https://thediplomat.com/about-us/advertise/) Advertise (https://thediplomat.com/syndication/) Syndicate (https://thediplomat.com/privacy-policy/) Privacy (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscriptions Asia Defense India, UK Fire Up Defense Cooperation With Joint Development (Share on LinkedIn) (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F&title=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development) (Share on Facebook) (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) (Share on Bluesky) (https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) (Share on X) (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) Recent Features (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/how-great-power-rivalry-is-fracturing-the-pacific-islands-forum/) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) Diplomacy How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/sri-lankas-luxury-property-boom-is-outrunning-its-regulations/) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) Economy Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/latin-poison-kazakhstans-latinization-in-russian-media-discourse/) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) Society ‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/chinas-green-exports-to-europe-are-a-bright-spot-amid-trade-tensions/) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) Economy China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/the-tibet-nepal-flood-is-a-himalayan-climate-security-warning/) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) (The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning) Environment The Tibet-Nepal Flood Is a Himalayan Climate Security Warning (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/remembering-a-genocide-the-view-from-the-rohingya-camps/) (Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps) (Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps) Photo Essays Remembering a Genocide: The View From the Rohingya Camps (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/pakistans-kashmir-crackdown/) (Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown) (Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown) Politics Pakistan’s Kashmir Crackdown (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/chinas-strategic-plan-for-space-superiority/) (China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority) (China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority) Security China’s Strategic Plan for Space Superiority (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/what-is-life-really-like-under-the-taliban-we-asked-afghan-women/) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) Videos What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/kinmen-the-sleepy-fishing-island-that-could-be-east-asias-biggest-flashpoint/) (Kinmen: The Sleepy Fishing Island That Could Be East Asia’s Biggest Flashpoint) (Kinmen: The Sleepy Fishing Island That Could Be East Asia’s Biggest Flashpoint) Society Kinmen: The Sleepy Fishing Island That Could Be East Asia’s Biggest Flashpoint (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/china-isnt-winning-the-digital-order-yet/) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) Diplomacy China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/kazakh-state-tightens-grip-over-critical-minerals-miner-erg/) (Kazakh State Tightens Grip Over Critical Minerals Miner ERG) (Kazakh State Tightens Grip Over Critical Minerals Miner ERG) Economy Kazakh State Tightens Grip Over Critical Minerals Miner ERG (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense | (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security | (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia India, UK Fire Up Defense Cooperation With Joint Development An inter-governmental agreement to develop and incorporate integrated full electric propulsion for the Indian Navy’s four landing platform docks is underway. (Dinakar Peri) (Dinakar Peri) By (https://thediplomat.com/authors/dinakar-peri/) Dinakar Peri August 31, 2026 (Share on LinkedIn) (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F&title=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development) (Share on Facebook) (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) (Share on Bluesky) (https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) (Share on X) (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=India%2C+UK+Fire+Up+Defense+Cooperation+With+Joint+Development&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthediplomat.com%2F2026%2F08%2Findia-uk-fire-up-defense-cooperation-with-joint-development%2F) (India, UK Fire Up Defense Cooperation With Joint Development) (India, UK Fire Up Defense Cooperation With Joint Development) India’s Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh shakes hands with U.K.’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defense Jeremy Pocklington at the 25th India–UK Defense Consultative Group Meeting at New Delhi, India, on August 21, 2026. Credit: (https://x.com/PIB_India/status/2091028194396955115/photo/1) X/PIB India (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading India and the United Kingdom are close to (https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-uk-defence-ties-gaining-momentum-close-to-finalising-missile-and-electric-propulsion-projects-article-155994994) signing two inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for the incorporation of electric propulsion on Indian Navy ships and production of Marlet lightweight multirole missiles (LMM). These are decisive steps toward forging long-term defense industrial cooperation and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership. At the same time, the U.K. has also upped its pitch for another mega-deal — the design and development of a jet engine to power the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation fighter. The two countries have made concerted efforts to deepen defense cooperation and find a long-term overarching deal to anchor that effort. This intent was formalized in the 10‑year Defense Industrial Roadmap under the “(https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2147956®=48&lang=2) Vision 2035 ” announced last year, which focuses on deepening collaboration in advanced technologies and complex weapons, supporting innovation and co-development, through cooperation programs such as the Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies. It also calls for strengthening research and development on developing new capabilities, including underwater systems and direct energy weapons. The expanding military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises and research collaborations add to the broadening cooperation. Another important binding factor is overlapping concerns and converging interests in the Indo-Pacific, where Britain sees India as one of the most important “(https://stratnewsglobal.com/business/india-global-stability-anchor-uk-envoy/) stabilizing forces .” Beyond defense and security, the overall relationship too has leapfrogged with high-level commitment from both sides. That push led to the conclusion of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the biggest trade deals of modern times, that came (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/historic-uk-india-free-trade-agreement-is-now-in-effect) into effect on July 15, 2026. Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) The IGA to be signed is to develop and incorporate IFEP for the Indian Navy’s four landing platform docks (LPD) for which a separate tender is underway. The conversation for deploying IFEP on Indian Navy’s future vessels is several years old, as the Indian Navy set its sights on shifting from diesel to electric propulsion engines to bring in efficiency, and reduce fossil fuel dependency and emissions. Formalizing the conversation, a joint working group called the “India-UK electric propulsion capability partnership” was set up in early 2023. A Statement of Intent to co-design, co-create and co-produce maritime electric propulsion systems was signed in November 2024, and the (https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents?dtl/40185) intent to finalize an IGA was announced when the India and British prime ministers met in Mumbai in October 2025. As part of the cooperation, GE Vernova and state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited announced the setting up of India’s first land-based test facility for IFEP. However, IFEP systems on four LPDs are just the start, as the Indian Navy is (https://theprint.in/india/navy-targets-200-plus-ships-by-2035-chief-of-naval-staff-dinesh-k-tripathi/2865650/) targeting a 200-ship force by 2035 in response to expanding Chinese naval numbers and presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Some existing ships could also be converted to electric propulsion. The IFEP brings significant operational efficiencies in this regard, which the Royal Navy has mastered, having operationally deployed it on several frontline ships, including its aircraft carrier. In April 2023, U.K.’s Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-uk-sign-statement-of-intent-for-cooperation-on-design-and-development-of-electric-propulsion-systems-for-indian-navy/article68926131.ece) observed that the U.K. is one of the world’s leaders in maritime electric propulsion, having been on it for at least 20 years, and cooperation with the U.K. means that India “doesn’t have to go through a 20-year journey.” The LPD project, an ambition for almost two decades, received a fresh (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2181814®=48&lang=2) sanction from the Defense Acquisition Council, the highest body for procurements in India’s Ministry of Defense, in October 2025. These vessels, (https://www.navylookout.com/britain-to-supply-integrated-electric-propulsion-systems-for-indian-navy-lpd-programme/) displacing around 29,000 tons, will be built by Indian shipyards in partnership with foreign partners. Once rolled out, this deal will intertwine collaboration over the next several decades. However, given India’s notorious procurement process, the IFEP deployment depends on the LPD deal reaching its logical conclusion in a reasonable timeframe. The Elusive Engine Deal India is looking for a global partner for design and development of a 120kN jet engine to power the AMCA-Mk2. While negotiations between Safran of France and Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have been ongoing for several years now, the delay opened prospects for the U.K’s Rolls Royce and the U.S.’ General Electric. Rolls Royce, which has been working closely with the Indian research establishment for several years, has (https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/defence/india-to-get-100-transfer-of-technology-on-rolls-royce-aero-engine-for-amca/) presented a compelling offer, including full control over Intellectual Property for the engine developed. On August 14, Rolls Royce announced a (https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/14-08-2026-reliance-industries-and-rolls-royce-announce-strategic-intent-to-partner-and-develop-indias-indigenous-combat-engine-for-the-amca-programme.aspx) partnership with Reliance Industries Limited to explore the formation of a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex that will be a center of excellence for power and propulsion technology in India. This significantly ups the ante in support of its offer. However, some practical realities stand out, which will determine partner selection. For instance, despite assurance that U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) does not apply to engine collaboration as it’s an IGA, (https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/why-the-heart-of-indias-indigenous-fighter-ecosystem-will-be-american-for-several-decades-to-come/) concerns remain in Indian policy circles given Britain’s alliance with the U.S. and possible impact on future deals. This is particularly so as all the variants of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft and AMCA-Mk1, cumulatively about half the fighter squadron strength in two decades, will be powered by GE engines, a U.S. company. That positions France favorably given its independent arms industry and the trajectory of Indo-French ties. Adding to that is India’s interest in joining the French future combat air system (FCAS), sixth-generation fighter program. If the same engine or its derivative can go into the FCAS, that would be a lucrative proposition both economically and operationally. Widening Cooperation Last year, India and the U.K. made several important announcements on the defense front. At Aero India in February 2025, U.K. announced the formal launch of “Defense Partnership–India,” or DP-I, a dedicated cell within the U.K. Ministry of Defense for deepening cooperation. Several cooperation agreements were also signed at the biennial expo in Bengaluru, including production of Starstreak man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and LMMs and the establishment of an advanced short-range air to air missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in India. The two countries also conducted their largest-ever maritime exercise last year that saw their Carrier Strike Groups exercise together. A separate air defense exercise saw the Royal Navy deploying its aircraft to exercise with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. A contract for laser beam riding (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/news-centre/press-releases/thales-and-bharat-dynamics-ltd-agree-initial-supply-man-portable-air) Starstreak Man-portable air-defense systems or MANPADS was also signed between Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under the (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/emergency-procurement-to-the-rescue-to-meet-armys-requirement-of-very-short-range-air-defence-missiles/article69307133.ece) Emergency Procurement route for 16 launchers, 56 missiles and one simulator worth around $35 million. This could potentially expand to (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/thales-to-double-engineers-headcount-accelerate-sourcing-from-india/article69238428.ece) thousands of missiles in future. The two companies had then announced their intent for collaboration to produce LMMs in India. The IGA to be signed soon will make India one of the largest markets for the missiles. Similarly, weapons manufacturer MBDA U.K. and BDL are setting up a first-of-its-kind ASRAAM assembly and test facility in Hyderabad to also cater to exports, after the missile was chosen for the Jaguar and Light Combat Aircraft-Mk1A. British defense companies like Thales, Rolls Royce and several others have integrated Indian companies into their global supply chains. With the expanding cooperation and an enabling FTA, this is set to significantly expand. With the Indian defense manufacturing ecosystem significantly maturing over the years, it offers scale and capacity, the criticality of which was showcased in the West Asia conflict. Military-to-military engagements have also expanded. For instance, with agreement early this year on the deployment of three IAF qualified flying instructors to a Royal Air Force training base, Indian officers are now embedded as instructors at all three UK service academies. Britain has also been leveraging the bilateral logistics sharing agreement signed in 2022 to augment its deployments in the Indian Ocean Region. In addition to spares and supplies, under the (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-leverages-logistics-support-agreement-to-expand-maritime-cooperation-with-india/article68139751.ece) logistics pact , Royal Navy ships have undergone essential repair at an Indian shipyard during their deployment in the region. Britain was the fifth country to post a liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram inaugurated in 2018 to promote maritime domain awareness. The India-U.K. relationship has struggled with several irritants in the past, including Khalistani separatism in the U.K, and Britain’s ties with Pakistan. However, there is determination on both sides to expand ties amid geopolitical uncertainties and a changing world order. With this slew of agreements, Britain is looking to regain lost space in India’s growing defense sector. For India, the U.K is one of the important stabilizing vectors in its multilateral alignment strategy to safeguard its interests. Already have an account? Log in . You have reached the limit of 2 free articles this month. Get to the bottom of the story (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) Subscribe today and join thousands of diplomats, analysts, policy professionals and business readers who rely on The Diplomat for expert Asia-Pacific coverage. Get unlimited access to in-depth analysis you won't find anywhere else, from South China Sea tensions to ASEAN diplomacy to India-Pakistan relations. More than 5,000 articles a year. Unlimited articles and expert analysis Weekly newsletter with exclusive insights 16-year archive of diplomatic coverage Ad-free reading on all devices Support independent journalism (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) Subscribe Now (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions) View Subscription Options Already have an account? Log in . India and the United Kingdom are close to (https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-uk-defence-ties-gaining-momentum-close-to-finalising-missile-and-electric-propulsion-projects-article-155994994) signing two inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for the incorporation of electric propulsion on Indian Navy ships and production of Marlet lightweight multirole missiles (LMM). These are decisive steps toward forging long-term defense industrial cooperation and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership. At the same time, the U.K. has also upped its pitch for another mega-deal — the design and development of a jet engine to power the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation fighter. The two countries have made concerted efforts to deepen defense cooperation and find a long-term overarching deal to anchor that effort. This intent was formalized in the 10‑year Defense Industrial Roadmap under the “(https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2147956®=48&lang=2) Vision 2035 ” announced last year, which focuses on deepening collaboration in advanced technologies and complex weapons, supporting innovation and co-development, through cooperation programs such as the Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies. It also calls for strengthening research and development on developing new capabilities, including underwater systems and direct energy weapons. The expanding military-to-military cooperation, joint exercises and research collaborations add to the broadening cooperation. Another important binding factor is overlapping concerns and converging interests in the Indo-Pacific, where Britain sees India as one of the most important “(https://stratnewsglobal.com/business/india-global-stability-anchor-uk-envoy/) stabilizing forces .” Beyond defense and security, the overall relationship too has leapfrogged with high-level commitment from both sides. That push led to the conclusion of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), one of the biggest trade deals of modern times, that came (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/historic-uk-india-free-trade-agreement-is-now-in-effect) into effect on July 15, 2026. Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) The IGA to be signed is to develop and incorporate IFEP for the Indian Navy’s four landing platform docks (LPD) for which a separate tender is underway. The conversation for deploying IFEP on Indian Navy’s future vessels is several years old, as the Indian Navy set its sights on shifting from diesel to electric propulsion engines to bring in efficiency, and reduce fossil fuel dependency and emissions. Formalizing the conversation, a joint working group called the “India-UK electric propulsion capability partnership” was set up in early 2023. A Statement of Intent to co-design, co-create and co-produce maritime electric propulsion systems was signed in November 2024, and the (https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents?dtl/40185) intent to finalize an IGA was announced when the India and British prime ministers met in Mumbai in October 2025. As part of the cooperation, GE Vernova and state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited announced the setting up of India’s first land-based test facility for IFEP. However, IFEP systems on four LPDs are just the start, as the Indian Navy is (https://theprint.in/india/navy-targets-200-plus-ships-by-2035-chief-of-naval-staff-dinesh-k-tripathi/2865650/) targeting a 200-ship force by 2035 in response to expanding Chinese naval numbers and presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Some existing ships could also be converted to electric propulsion. The IFEP brings significant operational efficiencies in this regard, which the Royal Navy has mastered, having operationally deployed it on several frontline ships, including its aircraft carrier. In April 2023, U.K.’s Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-uk-sign-statement-of-intent-for-cooperation-on-design-and-development-of-electric-propulsion-systems-for-indian-navy/article68926131.ece) observed that the U.K. is one of the world’s leaders in maritime electric propulsion, having been on it for at least 20 years, and cooperation with the U.K. means that India “doesn’t have to go through a 20-year journey.” The LPD project, an ambition for almost two decades, received a fresh (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2181814®=48&lang=2) sanction from the Defense Acquisition Council, the highest body for procurements in India’s Ministry of Defense, in October 2025. These vessels, (https://www.navylookout.com/britain-to-supply-integrated-electric-propulsion-systems-for-indian-navy-lpd-programme/) displacing around 29,000 tons, will be built by Indian shipyards in partnership with foreign partners. Once rolled out, this deal will intertwine collaboration over the next several decades. However, given India’s notorious procurement process, the IFEP deployment depends on the LPD deal reaching its logical conclusion in a reasonable timeframe. The Elusive Engine Deal India is looking for a global partner for design and development of a 120kN jet engine to power the AMCA-Mk2. While negotiations between Safran of France and Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have been ongoing for several years now, the delay opened prospects for the U.K’s Rolls Royce and the U.S.’ General Electric. Rolls Royce, which has been working closely with the Indian research establishment for several years, has (https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/defence/india-to-get-100-transfer-of-technology-on-rolls-royce-aero-engine-for-amca/) presented a compelling offer, including full control over Intellectual Property for the engine developed. On August 14, Rolls Royce announced a (https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/14-08-2026-reliance-industries-and-rolls-royce-announce-strategic-intent-to-partner-and-develop-indias-indigenous-combat-engine-for-the-amca-programme.aspx) partnership with Reliance Industries Limited to explore the formation of a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex that will be a center of excellence for power and propulsion technology in India. This significantly ups the ante in support of its offer. However, some practical realities stand out, which will determine partner selection. For instance, despite assurance that U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) does not apply to engine collaboration as it’s an IGA, (https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/why-the-heart-of-indias-indigenous-fighter-ecosystem-will-be-american-for-several-decades-to-come/) concerns remain in Indian policy circles given Britain’s alliance with the U.S. and possible impact on future deals. This is particularly so as all the variants of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft and AMCA-Mk1, cumulatively about half the fighter squadron strength in two decades, will be powered by GE engines, a U.S. company. That positions France favorably given its independent arms industry and the trajectory of Indo-French ties. Adding to that is India’s interest in joining the French future combat air system (FCAS), sixth-generation fighter program. If the same engine or its derivative can go into the FCAS, that would be a lucrative proposition both economically and operationally. Widening Cooperation Last year, India and the U.K. made several important announcements on the defense front. At Aero India in February 2025, U.K. announced the formal launch of “Defense Partnership–India,” or DP-I, a dedicated cell within the U.K. Ministry of Defense for deepening cooperation. Several cooperation agreements were also signed at the biennial expo in Bengaluru, including production of Starstreak man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and LMMs and the establishment of an advanced short-range air to air missile (ASRAAM) assembly and test facility in India. The two countries also conducted their largest-ever maritime exercise last year that saw their Carrier Strike Groups exercise together. A separate air defense exercise saw the Royal Navy deploying its aircraft to exercise with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. A contract for laser beam riding (https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/news-centre/press-releases/thales-and-bharat-dynamics-ltd-agree-initial-supply-man-portable-air) Starstreak Man-portable air-defense systems or MANPADS was also signed between Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under the (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/emergency-procurement-to-the-rescue-to-meet-armys-requirement-of-very-short-range-air-defence-missiles/article69307133.ece) Emergency Procurement route for 16 launchers, 56 missiles and one simulator worth around $35 million. This could potentially expand to (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/thales-to-double-engineers-headcount-accelerate-sourcing-from-india/article69238428.ece) thousands of missiles in future. The two companies had then announced their intent for collaboration to produce LMMs in India. The IGA to be signed soon will make India one of the largest markets for the missiles. Similarly, weapons manufacturer MBDA U.K. and BDL are setting up a first-of-its-kind ASRAAM assembly and test facility in Hyderabad to also cater to exports, after the missile was chosen for the Jaguar and Light Combat Aircraft-Mk1A. British defense companies like Thales, Rolls Royce and several others have integrated Indian companies into their global supply chains. With the expanding cooperation and an enabling FTA, this is set to significantly expand. With the Indian defense manufacturing ecosystem significantly maturing over the years, it offers scale and capacity, the criticality of which was showcased in the West Asia conflict. Military-to-military engagements have also expanded. For instance, with agreement early this year on the deployment of three IAF qualified flying instructors to a Royal Air Force training base, Indian officers are now embedded as instructors at all three UK service academies. Britain has also been leveraging the bilateral logistics sharing agreement signed in 2022 to augment its deployments in the Indian Ocean Region. In addition to spares and supplies, under the (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uk-leverages-logistics-support-agreement-to-expand-maritime-cooperation-with-india/article68139751.ece) logistics pact , Royal Navy ships have undergone essential repair at an Indian shipyard during their deployment in the region. Britain was the fifth country to post a liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram inaugurated in 2018 to promote maritime domain awareness. The India-U.K. relationship has struggled with several irritants in the past, including Khalistani separatism in the U.K, and Britain’s ties with Pakistan. However, there is determination on both sides to expand ties amid geopolitical uncertainties and a changing world order. With this slew of agreements, Britain is looking to regain lost space in India’s growing defense sector. For India, the U.K is one of the important stabilizing vectors in its multilateral alignment strategy to safeguard its interests. Authors (Dinakar Peri) (Dinakar Peri) Contributing Author Dinakar Peri Dinakar Peri is a Fellow with the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India. (https://thediplomat.com/authors/dinakar-peri/) View Profile Tags (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/countries/india/) India (https://thediplomat.com/tag/amca/) AMCA (https://thediplomat.com/tag/india-defense-acquisitions/) India defense acquisitions (https://thediplomat.com/tag/india-uk-defense-deals/) India-UK defense deals (https://thediplomat.com/tag/india-uk-defense-ties/) India-UK defense ties (https://thediplomat.com/tag/marlet-lightweight-multirole-missiles-lmm/) Marlet Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscribe for ads-free reading Advertisement (https://thediplomat.com/category/blogs/) Latest Stories (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/china-wants-to-push-taiwan-out-of-the-pacific/) (China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific) (China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific) China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/tajikistan-taxes-tourism-trips-abroad-to-fund-development-at-home/) (Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home) (Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home) Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/was-abe-shinzo-an-idealist/) (Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist?) (Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist?) Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist? (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/despite-delays-china-could-gain-ground-in-the-space-race/) (Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race) (Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race) Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race Advertisement Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter Get briefed on the story of the week, and developing stories to watch across the Asia-Pacific. (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Get the Newsletter Advertisement Related (https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/why-the-heart-of-indias-indigenous-fighter-ecosystem-will-be-american-for-several-decades-to-come/) (Why the Heart of India’s Indigenous Fighter Ecosystem Will be American for Several Decades to Come) (Why the Heart of India’s Indigenous Fighter Ecosystem Will be American for Several Decades to Come) Why the Heart of India’s Indigenous Fighter Ecosystem Will be American for Several Decades to Come By Dinakar Peri While negotiations for the licensed manufacture of F414 jet engines in India continue, the off-the-shelf procurement cost of some F414 engines for the AMCA prototype has tripled. (https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/indias-russia-defense-gambit/) (India’s Russia Defense Gambit) (India’s Russia Defense Gambit) India’s Russia Defense Gambit By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan The uncertainty and possible further disruptions in the defense supply chain out of Russia could accelerate India’s diversification and indigenization efforts. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/indias-brahmos-at-sea-implications-for-south-asian-stability/) (India’s BrahMos at Sea: Implications for South Asian Stability) (India’s BrahMos at Sea: Implications for South Asian Stability) India’s BrahMos at Sea: Implications for South Asian Stability By Abdul Moiz Khan and Syeda Saba Batool The planned Indian deployment of the BrahMos missile on all of its naval warships has destabilizing implications for the region. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/india-japan-defense-technology-cooperation-hinges-on-industrial-endurance/) (India-Japan Defense Technology Cooperation Hinges on Industrial Endurance) (India-Japan Defense Technology Cooperation Hinges on Industrial Endurance) India-Japan Defense Technology Cooperation Hinges on Industrial Endurance By Titli Basu There is a marked asymmetry between high-powered India-Japan diplomacy and their uneven industrial integration. Most Read (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/what-is-life-really-like-under-the-taliban-we-asked-afghan-women/) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) (What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women.) What Is Life Really Like Under the Taliban? We Asked Afghan Women. Online influencers are framing Afghanistan as a a beautiful, welcoming “hidden gem.” That may be true for tourists – but what about the women who live there? (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/china-isnt-winning-the-digital-order-yet/) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) (China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet) China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet By Ilaria Carrozza In Southeast Asia, Beijing is building the digital infrastructure, but not (yet) writing the rules. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/why-has-pakistans-jailed-former-pm-imran-khan-been-shifted-to-hospital-now/) (Why Has Pakistan’s Jailed Former PM Imran Khan Been Shifted to Hospital Now?) (Why Has Pakistan’s Jailed Former PM Imran Khan Been Shifted to Hospital Now?) Why Has Pakistan’s Jailed Former PM Imran Khan Been Shifted to Hospital Now? By Umair Jamal Lowering political temperatures and exploring limited dialogue have become a priority for the Pakistani government. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/russia-issues-missile-test-warning-to-new-zealand/) (Russia’s Fake Missile Test Warning to New Zealand) (Russia’s Fake Missile Test Warning to New Zealand) Russia’s Fake Missile Test Warning to New Zealand By Anne-Marie Brady With the warning of a yet-to-materialize missile test in the Southern Ocean, is Russia playing an old joke on New Zealand? (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/how-great-power-rivalry-is-fracturing-the-pacific-islands-forum/) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) (How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum) How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum By Jozef Huljak Absences from this year's Leaders' Meeting are raising questions about the group's solidarity amid growing China-U.S. competition. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/sri-lankas-luxury-property-boom-is-outrunning-its-regulations/) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) (Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations) Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations By Umesh Moramudali As Colombo's luxury towers rise, the laws and institutions meant to oversee them lag far behind. Financial history shows that rarely ends well. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/latin-poison-kazakhstans-latinization-in-russian-media-discourse/) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) (‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse) ‘Latin Poison’: Kazakhstan’s Latinization in Russian Media Discourse By Aziz Berdiqulov In criticizing Kazakhstan's Latinization effort, Russian media is not defending the Russian language or the Cyrillic alphabet, but the symbolic, ideological, and geopolitical hierarchy of the Russian world. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/08/chinas-green-exports-to-europe-are-a-bright-spot-amid-trade-tensions/) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) (China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions) China’s Green Exports to Europe Are a Bright Spot Amid Trade Tensions By Neil Thompson Climate change and the Iran war are driving many European consumers to Chinese-made electric vehicles despite EU tariffs. (https://thediplomat.com/category/blogs/) Latest Stories (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/china-wants-to-push-taiwan-out-of-the-pacific/) (China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific) (China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific) China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific By Jonah Bock China’s pressure campaign against Taiwan doesn’t end when a country switches recognition to Beijing. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/tajikistan-taxes-tourism-trips-abroad-to-fund-development-at-home/) (Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home) (Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home) Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home By Kulobiddin Norov The new rules would hit Tajikistan’s tourism companies while benefiting an affiliated state body. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/was-abe-shinzo-an-idealist/) (Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist?) (Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist?) Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist? By Jio Kamata A new biography of Japan's longest-serving prime minister reevaluates his realist legacy. (https://thediplomat.com/2026/09/despite-delays-china-could-gain-ground-in-the-space-race/) (Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race) (Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race) Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan While the U.S. still holds considerable advantages gained through its earlier lunar explorations, China’s planned mission could provide it with a crucial edge. Regions (https://thediplomat.com/regions/central-asia/) Central Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/east-asia/) East Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/oceania-region/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/regions/south-asia/) South Asia (https://thediplomat.com/regions/southeast-asia/) Southeast Asia Topics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/diplomacy/) Diplomacy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/economy/) Economy (https://thediplomat.com/topics/environment/) Environment (https://thediplomat.com/topics/opinion/) Opinion (https://thediplomat.com/topics/politics/) Politics (https://thediplomat.com/topics/security/) Security (https://thediplomat.com/topics/society/) Society Blogs (https://thediplomat.com/category/asean-beat/) ASEAN Beat (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-defense/) Asia Defense (https://thediplomat.com/category/china-power/) China Power (https://thediplomat.com/category/crossroads-asia/) Crossroads Asia (https://thediplomat.com/category/flashpoints/) Flashpoints (https://thediplomat.com/category/oceania/) Oceania (https://thediplomat.com/category/pacific-money/) Pacific Money (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-debate/) The Debate (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-koreas/) The Koreas (https://thediplomat.com/category/the-pulse/) The Pulse (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-report/) Tokyo Report (https://thediplomat.com/category/trans-pacific-view/) Trans-Pacific View More (https://thediplomat.com/category/features/) Features (https://thediplomat.com/category/interviews/) Interviews (https://thediplomat.com/category/photo-essays/) Photo Essays (https://thediplomat.com/category/podcasts/) Podcasts (https://thediplomat.com/category/videos/) Videos Archives (https://magazine.thediplomat.com) Magazine (https://thediplomat.com/category/a-new-japan/) A New Japan (https://thediplomat.com/category/by-other-means/) By Other Means (https://thediplomat.com/category/apac-insider/) APAC Insider (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-life/) Asia Life (https://thediplomat.com/category/asia-scope/) Asia Scope (https://thediplomat.com/category/whats-next-china/) China, What's Next? (https://thediplomat.com/category/indian-decade/) Indian Decade (https://thediplomat.com/category/james-holmes/) James Holmes (https://thediplomat.com/category/new-emissary/) New Emissary (https://thediplomat.com/category/new-leaders-forum/) New Leaders Forum (https://thediplomat.com/category/sport-culture/) Sport & Culture (https://thediplomat.com/category/tech-biz/) Tech Biz (https://thediplomat.com/category/tokyo-notes/) Tokyo Notes (https://thediplomat.com/category/zachary-keck/) Zachary Keck The Diplomat (https://thediplomat.com/the-diplomat/) About Us (https://thediplomat.com/contact-us/) Contact Us (https://thediplomat.com/write-for-us/) Write for Us (https://thediplomat.com/about-us/advertise/) Advertise (https://thediplomat.com/syndication/) Syndicate (https://thediplomat.com/terms-of-use/) Terms of Use (https://thediplomat.com/privacy-policy/) Privacy Policy (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Newsletters (https://thediplomat.com/subscriptions/) Subscriptions Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) Diplomat Brief Weekly Newsletter (https://thediplomat.com/feed/) (https://thediplomat.com/newsletter/) (Newsletter) (https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMIaoowwwhqCyBA) (Google News) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thediplomat) (LinkedIn) (https://www.facebook.com/diplomatmagazine) (Facebook) (https://bsky.app/profile/thediplomat.com) (Bluesky) (https://x.com/Diplomat_APAC) (X) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmksR2jAphI96PPCwvPO02g) (YouTube) © 2026 Diplomat Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.