Major Defence Agreements
Subject: Defence and Security

Relevance:
India has signed several significant defence agreements to foster cooperation, collaboration, and facilitate the import and export of critical military assets including missiles, weapons, naval ships, and advanced technology. These bilateral agreements aim to strengthen India’s defence capabilities in response to emerging terrorist threats in the Indian subcontinent. The relevance of these agreements has become especially pronounced in light of recent military operations such as Operation Sindoor, making them essential for aspirants preparing for UPSC examinations.

Why in the News?

The government stated in a special briefing that the “Pahalgam attack marked the first escalation,” referring to recent India-Pakistan conflicts. Responding robustly to Pakistani attacks on Indian military installations, India targeted Pakistani military sites, notably neutralizing an air defence system in Lahore using advanced Israeli-made loitering munitions—HAROP and HARPY drones. These drones hover near their targets before self-destructing upon impact.

India’s defence capabilities have significantly enhanced over the past decade through strategic agreements with key international partners. Here’s an overview of major recent defence agreements:

Key Defence Agreements:

1. India-Russia Defence Cooperation

• Acquisition of the S-400 Triumf air defence system, vital for India’s recent defensive operations.
• Agreements signed for the supply and licensed production of MiG-29 fighter aircraft, Kamov helicopters, T-90 tanks, Su-30MKI fighters, AK-203 assault rifles, and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• INS Vikramaditya, India’s aircraft carrier, is a refurbished former Russian warship, Admiral Gorshkov.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Indra
• Navy: INDRA NAVY
• Air Force: Avia Indra

2. India-UK Defence Partnership

• Recent finalization of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
• Defence Partnership-I (DP-I) signed at Aero India 2025, including:
  • Thales UK and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (STARStreak missiles).
  • MBDA UK and BDL for an advanced short-range air-to-air missile assembly and test facility in Hyderabad, aimed at arming Indian fighter jets and exporting globally.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Ex Ajeya Warrior
• Navy: Konkan
• Air Force: Indradhanush-IV

3. India-France Defence Engagements

• Procurement of 26 Rafale-M aircraft (22 single-seater, four twin-seater) for the Indian Navy, along with associated training, simulators, equipment, and logistics.
• Ongoing collaborations include the Scorpene submarine project, additional Rafale jets and helicopters, and increased indigenous production under the Defence Industrial Roadmap.
• France remained a key defence partner and refrained from imposing sanctions after India’s 1998 nuclear tests.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Ex Shakti
• Navy: Varuna

4. India-Thailand Strategic Partnership

• Relations elevated to “strategic partnership” during the 6th BIMSTEC summit.
• Agreed on frameworks for strategic dialogue, defence coordination, technology transfers, joint training, and industrial collaboration.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Ex Maitree
• Navy: Indo-Thai CORPAT

5. India-US Defence Collaboration (COMPACT)

• US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative launched to enhance bilateral defence and high-tech cooperation.
• Agreements such as Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and Memorandum of Agreement regarding Liaison Officers for mutual priority support in defence goods and services.
• Key US-origin assets include C-130J, C-17 Globemaster, P-8I Poseidon, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apaches, Harpoon missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9Bs.
• Ongoing discussions for the potential procurement of US F-35 Lightning-II combat aircraft.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Ex Yudh Abhyas, Ex Vajra Prahar
• Navy: Malabar
• Air Force: Red Flag 16-1

6. India-New Zealand Defence Cooperation

• Signed an MoU in March 2025, strengthening defence cooperation and establishing regular bilateral defence engagement.
• New Zealand’s involvement with the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance adds strategic significance.

“Five Eyes” Intelligence Alliance:

• An intelligence-sharing partnership involving the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand formed during World War II.

7. India-Indonesia Defence Relations

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day 2025.
• Strengthened cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalisation.
• Ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in 2018.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Army: Ex Garuda Shakti
• Navy: Ex Samudra Shakti

These strategic partnerships and agreements reflect India’s proactive approach in strengthening its defence posture, essential for maintaining regional stability and national security.