India has signed a $465.5 million agreement with the United Kingdom for the purchase of missiles and air defense launchers produced by Thales in Belfast.
The contract, which secures about 700 jobs in Northern Ireland, provides for the supply of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), the same model currently being sent to Ukraine. The partnership strengthens strategic cooperation between London and New Delhi in the defense sector.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted that collaboration with India strengthens the domestic industry and paves the way for new joint initiatives, particularly in the development of electric engines for naval vessels and air defense systems. In parallel, the two countries signed an additional $332.5 million agreement to advance joint production of these engines, in line with the “Make in India” programs and the UK Strategic Defence Review.
During a visit to Mumbai, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the agreements symbolize an increasingly strong strategic relationship between the two nations. The signing coincides with the Konkan Exercise, which brings together the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and the Indian INS Vikrant in joint maneuvers in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing military and industrial alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @Defence_IDA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
India has agreed to acquire $468 million worth of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM / “Martlet”) under a government-to-government defence contract. pic.twitter.com/hejEVg5JjU
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) October 9, 2025
