- ADS and the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to strengthen UK–India defence and aerospace industrial partnerships
- The signing took place on the sidelines of the UK-India Aerospace and Defence Trade and Networking Event at Farnborough International Airshow
- The Agreement will support increased trade, industrial cooperation and market access opportunities between the UK and India
Farnborough (21 July 2026) – ADS, the trade association representing the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, and the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to strengthen cooperation between the UK and Indian aerospace and defence industries.
Taking place on the sidelines of the UK-India Aerospace and Defence Trade and Networking Event at Farnborough International Airshow, the Agreement aims to promote bilateral trade, industrial cooperation and market access between the United Kingdom and India. The Networking Event welcomed guests from across the UK and Indian Governments, senior industry representatives and representative trade bodies to celebrate the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Planned activities outlined in the Agreement include the organisation and facilitation of joint participation at global airshows and other major international exhibitions, as well as roundtables, industry forums and business-to-business events focused on the priorities outlined in the Roadmap for UK-India Defence Industrial Cooperation signed in July 2025.
The Agreement will also support UK companies seeking to enter or expand within the Indian market, strengthen aerospace and defence industrial partnerships between the two nations, and facilitate the exchange of market intelligence, policy insights and best practice.
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS, said:
“Just days after the UK-India Free Trade Agreement came into force, we are pleased to be taking another important step forward with the signing of this Collaboration Agreement.
“The UK and India share deep and longstanding ties across the aerospace and defence sectors, underpinned by strong industrial partnerships and integrated supply chains. This agreement is a welcome milestone as we strengthen support for our members looking to enter and grow in the Indian market.”
Dr. Kishore Jayaraman, Group CEO, UK-India Business Council said:
“This agreement reflects the growing ambition and momentum in the UK-India partnership. By combining the strengths of ADS and UKIBC, we will help businesses in both countries unlock new opportunities, build stronger industrial partnerships, and deepen collaboration across the aerospace and defence sectors.”
