India and the United Kingdom Seal Major Defence Deal: ‘Shikari’ Missiles, Naval Engines, and Deeper Strategic Cooperation Announced
In a significant leap forward for bilateral defence cooperation, India and the United Kingdom on Thursday announced a landmark defence partnership, under which Britain will supply India with advanced “Shikari” missiles — lightweight, short-range weapons capable of intercepting and destroying enemy drones and missiles mid-air.
The development marks a decisive step in strengthening India’s defence capabilities and expanding the scope of Indo-UK collaboration across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, and maritime security.
A ₹3,884 Crore Defence Deal to Boost India’s Security
The defence agreement, valued at approximately ₹3,884 crore (US$468 million), aims to further fortify India’s aerial defence systems and enhance its preparedness against modern aerial threats.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai, where the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation not just in defence, but also in trade, innovation, and emerging technologies.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger and future-oriented strategic partnership, underscoring that mutual defence and economic collaboration are vital pillars of the evolving India–UK relationship.
Missiles Currently in Use in Ukraine
Under this deal, India will acquire the Lightweight Multi-role Missiles (LMMs) — also known as “Martlets” — manufactured by the British defence giant Thales.
These highly versatile and precision-guided missiles are currently being supplied to Ukraine, where they have proven effective against drones, aircraft, and light armoured targets in active conflict zones.
The LMMs are produced at Thales’ facility in Northern Ireland, and the British government confirmed that the new export order to India will secure over 700 jobs at this factory, underlining the economic benefits of the deal for both nations.
LMM: A Specialist in Aerial Defence
The Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM), or Martlet, is designed to operate in multiple configurations — air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and surface-to-surface.
Despite its compact design, it packs exceptional accuracy and lethality. Its name “Martlet” is inspired by a mythical bird that never rests, symbolising agility, endurance, and constant readiness — much like the missile’s operational purpose.
Developed by Thales Air Defence, the LMM is renowned for its lightweight build and adaptability, making it ideal for aerial defence systems.
It is specifically engineered to neutralise aerial threats such as drones, low-flying aircraft, and small boats, providing a robust protective shield in both land and maritime environments.
Electric Propulsion Engines for Indian Naval Vessels
In addition to the missile deal, India and the UK signed a second major agreement focused on naval propulsion technology.
Under this pact, Britain will supply modern electric-driven engines for use in Indian naval vessels — a move expected to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and stealth capabilities of India’s maritime fleet.
This naval engine deal is valued at approximately ₹30 billion (250 million pounds), and according to officials, the next phase of its implementation has now commenced.
The collaboration aligns with India’s vision of developing a technologically advanced, self-reliant Navy capable of safeguarding its strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific region.
Countering Extremism: A Shared Concern
During their talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Khalistan-linked extremist activities operating from UK soil.
He urged that both nations must act decisively within the frameworks of their respective legal systems to curb and penalise such radical elements.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that radicalism and violent extremism have no place in democratic societies and that safeguarding the social fabric of both nations requires firm, coordinated action.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values and Strategic Vision
The agreements signed on Thursday mark a new chapter in India–UK relations, blending defence cooperation with shared economic and security interests.
Both governments reiterated their intent to deepen engagement across critical sectors — from advanced defence manufacturing to clean energy, innovation, and digital technology.
Analysts note that the inclusion of high-precision missiles and naval technology in India’s defence arsenal underlines the growing strategic convergence between the two nations.
The partnership is expected to not only boost India’s self-reliance in defence (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) but also strengthen the UK’s role as a trusted defence partner in the Indo-Pacific.
As the two leaders outlined a roadmap for the future, one message came through clearly — India and the United Kingdom are poised to evolve from strategic partners to strategic allies in the pursuit of global security, stability, and prosperity.
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