India-UK £350 Million Missile Deal: Indian Army to Get Martlet Missiles — Key Details

India and the UK have concluded a significant defence pact of worth £350 million (around ₹3,700 crore approx.), which will see the Indian Army getting the British-made Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), popularly known as Martlets. The transaction signifies not only the progressive development of India's air defence potentials but also a bond of trust in defence between the two countries.

🇮🇳 About the India-UK Missile Deal

In their joint declaration, the two nations asserted that the agreement would "not merely enhance India's air defence but also correspond to the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat," also making a strong commitment to the partnership in the field of advanced weapons development as a long-term one.

This occasion marked the inaugural official visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to India during which he had discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai along with a group of 125 UK business executives.

🚀 What Are Martlet Missiles?

The Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) — also called Martlets — are developed by Thales Air Defence, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. These versatile missiles can be deployed in air-to-surface, air-to-air, surface-to-air, and surface-to-surface roles.

Named after the mythical “Martlet” bird that never rests, the missiles were designed for precision targeting against drones, armored vehicles, and other aerial or surface threats. The LMMs were developed from the Starburst surface-to-air missile system and are already in use with Ukraine’s armed forces under a separate deal signed earlier this year.

🛠️ Boost for UK Defence Industry

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the contract will deliver missiles built in Belfast, supporting over 700 new jobs in Northern Ireland.

“This deal is a significant boost for the UK defence industry and delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change,” the UK Ministry of Defence said.

The newly signed defence pacts were described by British Defence Secretary John Healey as “the manifestation of the increasing strategic alliance between India and UK, which will enhance the business and employment opportunities in the UK. The signing of the pacts will encourage even more collaboration between the two countries' defence industries, particularly in the areas of electric motors for naval vessels and air defence systems.”

⚙️ Expanding Defence Cooperation

The missile deal is expected to open doors for a broader “complex weapons partnership” between India and the UK, currently under discussion. Alongside this agreement, both nations also signed an Implementing Agreement to advance collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval ships, further diversifying defence ties.

🔍 Key Takeaways

• Deal Value: £350 million (approx. ₹3,700 crore)
• Missiles Supplied: Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), also known as Martlets
• Manufacturer: Thales Air Defence, Belfast
• Purpose: Strengthen India’s air defence and multi-domain combat capability
• Jobs Created: Over 700 in Northern Ireland
• Strategic Impact: Paves the way for deeper India-UK defence and technology collaboration