JOIN USUnited Kingdom keen on strategic defence ties with India
Indo-British defence collaboration will take a decisive nuclear turn shortly with 98 per cent of the nuclear co-operation tie-ups between the two countries already being approved.
Indicating this deepening of strategic defence relationship was Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, the United Kingdom, at Aero India 2013 here on Wednesday.
Last month, the two countries signed a deal to initiate projects related to protective clothing designed to defend soldiers and the citizenry against chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction.
“The projects are also linked to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear vaccines. The agreements were signed between the Defence Research and Development Organisation and its British counterpart Defence Science and Technology Laboratories,” the minister told Deccan Herald.
Forty British companies are at Aero India 2013 showcasing cutting edge technologies in defence, aviation and security sectors. Dunne saw this as a growing sign of the UK’s India-centric approach built on proven collaborations, joint productions, technology transfers and research and development.
The Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force had conducted joint operations in January, while another exercise combining the skills of the two armies is on the agenda in April. Being active in anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean against the Somalis, the Royal Navy was keen to collaborate with Indian Navy too, the minister indicated.
“Besides, the UK has increased the number of Indian armed force officers in British Academies and vice-versa to boost mutual understanding on doctrines and operating systems.”
For Dunne, Aero India 2013 was his first exposure to an airshow. But it was also an occasion to cement a joint venture between the British aerospace major Rolls-Royce and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for supply of components to Rolls-Royce products worldwide. “I am also meeting the Defence Minister here and V K Saraswat (scientific advisor to the Defence Minister) to explore further defence co-operation agreements,” he said.
Dunne was sure the defence collaboration wouldn’t be a one-day process. “We have adopted a process of open procurements. We would be happy to buy Indian components as part of this, provided they are competitive on the cost front,” the minister said.
Airport infrastructure
In Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar’s announcement of an aerospace policy at the airshow inaugural, Dunne saw an opportunity for British companies to contribute to airport upgrade here. “We have world-class companies with proven credentials in infrastructure upgrades. Besides, all the Indian airports currently use personal scanners, protection and security equipment sourced from the UK.”
The UK was also expected to figure prominently in the IAF’s acquisition of six Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, an aerial refuelling tanker aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330-200. “Rolls Royce is likely to win the contract for supply of engines for this aircraft,” Dunne said.