Britain has signed a major weapons deal with India worth £350 million, which equals about $468 million. The contract states that England will supply British-made lightweight missiles to the Indian Army as the two countries grow their defence partnership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the agreement during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
This deal was made just months after the UK and India signed broader trade agreements. Both leaders talked about the business opportunities that this partnership brings. Britain is pushing hard to sell more weapons as part of its plan to boost their economy and meet defence spending targets set by NATO.
Missiles Made in Northern Ireland To Be Sent to India
Thales, a defence company with a factory in Northern Ireland, will make the lightweight missiles for India. The British Government says these contracts will affect about 700 jobs at the facility, which currently produces the same weapons being sent to Ukraine. These are very versatile missiles that can be used in different combat situations.
The announcement also hints at bigger things to come. Britain said that this deal makes the way for a broader weapons partnership with India, which is still being worked out between the two governments. That means more defence contracts could follow if negotiations go well.
Starmer Focuses on Defence Experts for Growth
Prime Minister Starmer has spent the past year trying to turn the defence industry into a money maker. He promised to increase military spending to match what NATO wants from its member countries. At the same time, he’s looking for bigger export contracts like this one done with India to create jobs and economic growth in England.
Britain has announced another deal with India on Thursday, too, at two £50 million agreements for electric-powered engines for naval ships. This is the next phase of an existing partnership between the two countries. Star Wars recently secured a big $13.5 billion contract to sell frigates to Norway, showing how seriously it is taking defence exports as an economic strategy.
News At Glance
- UK signs $468 million missile deal with India for lightweight weapons
- Contract protects 700 jobs at Thales factory in Northern Ireland
- The deal was announced during PM Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai
- A different £250 million deal was signed for an electrical naval engine by England to Norway
- The Thales factory is currently making missiles
FAQs
- How much is the UK-India missile worth?
The contract is worth £350 million.
- What kind of weapons will Britain supply to India?
Britain will provide lightweight multirole missiles made by Thales in Northern Ireland.
- How many jobs does the deal protect?
Around 700 jobs will be secured due to this deal.
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