How might Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to the UK impact bilateral defence industrial ties?

The Govt under Narendra Modi has been steadfast to indigenize military systems and hardware

Considering this, big ticket items have been on the radar

1. Submarines
2. Gas Turbine Engines for the Navy
3. Helicopters
4. Fighter Jets (especially in Medium Weight Category)
5. Armoured Vehicles
6. Missle Systems
7. Artillery
8. Guns for Infantry
9. Engines for the Airforce (especially Tejas, TEDBF, AMCA – 1 & 2)

This list is not exhaustive but gives an idea into the intent about the government to localize and use these platforms for export. The speed of the getting things rolling picked up pace after the Chinese adventure into Galwan and the subsequent clashes.

Now coming to the UK Visit

The visit is important as DRDO and Indian Govt. are all scouting for

• Electric propulsion for powering Naval Assets
• Clean Design Jet engine co-creation for Indian Fighter Jet Program
• Tank engines to power the Zorawar (Light Tank for the China Front) in partnership with Rolls Royce

These are essential for the Indian Armed forces to gain an even stronger footing against the belligerent PLA of China.

Rajnath Singh’s visit is not the full and final but it is a step in the right direction

Hope this helps in setting the context for the visit and its importance for both the partners

References:

• Rajnath Singh visit to UK