New Delhi: India and the India-UK Autonomous Platforms and uncrewed systems working group has officially been launched at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. The new industry-led initiative aims to strengthen defence cooperation between India and the United Kingdom by promoting joint development of autonomous and uncrewed military technologies.
The announcement marks another important step in the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap under the broader Vision 2035 partnership. It focuses on turning government-level agreements into practical projects involving industries, researchers, and technology companies from both countries.
India-UK Cooperation: What Is the New Working Group
The India-UK Autonomous Platforms and Uncrewed Systems Working Group is an industry-driven platform created under the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Joint Working Group framework. Its main goal is to encourage collaboration in advanced defence technologies, especially autonomous and unmanned systems used in modern warfare.
Focus on Future Defence Technologies
The working group will bring together defence companies, startups, innovators, researchers, and experts from India and the UK. It will explore opportunities in several emerging technologies, including:
- Autonomous aerial systems
- Uncrewed ground vehicles
- Underwater autonomous systems
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Secure communications
- Advanced sensors
Special attention will be given to underwater autonomous systems because of their growing importance in Indo-Pacific maritime security.
Why India-UK Cooperation Matters
Modern defence forces around the world are investing heavily in autonomous systems that can perform surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and combat support while reducing risks to soldiers. By working together, India and the UK hope to speed up innovation, share expertise, support joint manufacturing, and develop next-generation defence capabilities.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative
SIDM Director General K. Ramesh said the new sub-working group provides an operational framework that can convert high-level government plans into real industrial outcomes. He added that long-term cooperation between industries from both countries will help build stronger business partnerships and encourage joint capability development.
UK India Business Council CEO Jayant Krishna said both nations are making major investments in future defence technologies. According to him, the new platform will help industries identify opportunities, develop partnerships, and transform ideas into practical projects.
India-UK Cooperation: Co-Chairs and Future Plans
The working group will be co-chaired by representatives from both countries. It will regularly meet to identify collaboration opportunities in manufacturing, research, supply chains, technology innovation, and capability development. The group is expected to support long-term industrial cooperation between Indian and British defence sectors.
A Step Towards Stronger India-UK Defence Ties
The launch of the India-UK Autonomous Platforms and Uncrewed Systems Working Group reflects the growing strategic relationship between India and the UK. As autonomous technologies become increasingly important in defence operations, this partnership is expected to encourage innovation, strengthen industrial cooperation, and contribute to the development of advanced defence solutions for both countries.
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