India and UK Deepen Defense Ties with Electric Propulsion and Missile Deals

India and the United Kingdom are on the cusp of signing two inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) to incorporate integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) systems on Indian Navy landing platform docks (LPDs) and for the joint development of Lightweight Multi-role Missiles (LMM). These agreements are decisive steps towards forging long-term defense industrial cooperation and deepening the bilateral strategic partnership. The UK is also pitching for a mega-deal concerning the design and development of a jet engine to power India's advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter. Both nations have made concerted efforts to deepen defense cooperation, anchored by the 10-year Defense Industrial Roadmap under the "Vision 2035" initiative, which focuses on collaboration in advanced technologies, complex weapons, innovation, and co-development through programs like the Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies (JET). Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) The IGA for IFEP is to be incorporated on four Indian Navy LPDs, with a separate tender underway. The Indian Navy has been eyeing a shift from diesel to electric propulsion engines for efficiency, reduced fossil fuel dependency, and lower emissions, a conversation that has been ongoing for several years. A joint working group, the "India-UK electric propulsion capability partnership," was established in early 2023, followed by a Statement of Intent to co-design, co-create, and co-produce maritime electric propulsion systems in November 2024. The intent to finalize an IGA was announced when the Indian and British prime ministers met in Mumbai in October 2025. While the IFEP systems on the four LPDs are the initial phase, the Indian Navy aims for a 200-ship force by 2035 to counter the expanding Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Some existing ships could also be converted to electric propulsion. Cooperation with the UK, a global leader in maritime electric propulsion with extensive operational deployment on frontline ships including its aircraft carrier, is expected to significantly accelerate India's learning curve in this domain, potentially saving it a 20-year development journey. The LPD project, an ambition for almost two decades, received fresh sanction from India's Ministry of Defense in October 2025. These vessels, displacing around 29,000 tons, will be built by Indian shipyards in partnership with foreign entities. However, given India's procurement process, the IFEP deployment depends on the LPD deal reaching its logical conclusion in a reasonable timeframe. The Elusive Engine Deal India is seeking a global partner for the design and development of a 120kN jet engine for the AMCA-Mk2. While negotiations between France's Safran and India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have been protracted, opening avenues for UK's Rolls Royce and US's General Electric. Rolls Royce has recently announced a partnership with Reliance Industries Limited to explore the formation of a dedicated Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India, bolstering its bid. However, practical realities such as potential US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) concerns, despite assurances that it does not apply to this IGA, and Britain's alliance with the US, could impact future deals. This is particularly relevant as all variants of India's indigenous light combat aircraft and AMCA-Mk1 will be powered by GE engines. This positions France favorably due to its independent arms industry and the trajectory of Indo-French ties. India's interest in joining the French Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program further strengthens France's case, as a common engine or derivative could offer significant economic and operational advantages. Widening Cooperation Last year, significant defense announcements were made between India and the UK. At Aero India in February 2025, the UK formally launched "Defense Partnership–India" (DP-I), a dedicated cell within the UK Ministry of Defence. Several cooperation agreements were also signed, including for the 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.