India, UK to collaborate on new defence systems

India and UK have decided to collaborate in developing new systems of defence technology like gas turbine engines and air defence missile systems.

“We agreed to extend our defence equipment cooperation on developing new technologies such as gas turbine engines and air defence missiles systems,” UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said during a select media briefing here on Thursday after the India-UK Defence Partnership talk.

Fallon met Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday during his four-day visit here that began on April 11.

Fallon said the UK is keenly watching and willing to share its experience on building aircraft carriers, a task that the Indian Navy has also undertaken.

“We are on the final stages of competing our aircraft carrier — Queen Elizabeth — and we are also progressing on the second —Prince of Wales. India too is building its own aircraft carrier. So we have much experience to share between as to how we complete our carriers and also how to go about its operations for sea,” the Minister added.

The gas turbine engines will be built in a collaboration between British Rolls-Royce and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

“This is a live project. Rolls-Royce and DRDO are collaborating in developing gas turbine technologies. It's a military jet engine technology and its progressing well,” he said.

The Minister also said that UK plans to use India as a “launch pad” for export defence armaments in newer markets in South Asian region.

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