UK Signs £350m Missile Deal with India to Boost Defence Ties

Web Desk; Britain announced on Thursday that it has signed a £350 million ($468 million) contract to supply lightweight multirole missiles to the Indian Army, marking a significant deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was unveiled as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Mumbai, where both leaders celebrated the growing commercial potential of their recent trade deal. The missiles, produced by Thales in Northern Ireland, will secure 700 jobs at a factory currently manufacturing the same weapons for Ukraine.

According to the British government, the deal opens the door to a broader partnership on complex weapons that is currently being negotiated. Britain also announced progress on a separate £250 million project to develop electric-powered naval engines with India.

Modi, speaking after talks, said the partnership reflects “new energy and broad vision”, highlighting the synergy between India’s dynamism and UK expertise. Starmer, leading the largest-ever UK business delegation to India, said his focus was on expanding trade, investment, and job creation through this strategic relationship.

The two sides also agreed to establish a UK-India connectivity and innovation centre, a joint AI hub, and a critical minerals industry guild. They announced joint investment in climate technology startups, renewable energy collaborations, and health research initiatives.

Despite differences over Russia—after Modi wished President Putin a happy birthday—Britain reiterated respect for India’s strategic independence. Modi also announced that Indian Air Force instructors will train with the Royal Air Force.

Additionally, Britain said two UK universities have received approval to open campuses in India, strengthening educational ties while managing domestic migration pressures.