The UK has signed a defence contract valued at £350m ($465m) with India, a move that will secure hundreds of jobs in Northern Ireland.

This agreement involves the provision of UK-manufactured lightweight multirole missiles to the Indian Army.

It aligns with the government's strategic Plan for Change and reinforcing the nation's defence manufacturing sector.

This contract also guarantees the continuation of more than 700 jobs in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where these air defence systems are produced not only for India but also for Ukraine.

The transaction marks a significant step in UK-India relations and lays the groundwork for “broader complex weapons partnership” currently under discussion between the two nations.

In addition, the countries have reached another significant accord regarding naval technology.

Both countries have signed an Implementing Arrangement to further their collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval vessels, a project initially valued at £250m.

These developments were part of the two-day visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Indian city of Mumbai.

Concurrently, the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is engaged in intricate air and naval drills alongside the Indian Military in the Indian Ocean.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: “The defence deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs.

“I am hopeful that this will pave the way for a deeper relationship between our two defence industries, particularly in the development of electric engines for naval ships and in air defence.

“As we deepen our defence relationship with India, we will harness the UK defence industry as an engine for growth, securing vital jobs in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.”

In late 2024, India and the UK signed a statement of intent on the cooperation for the design and development of electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.