UK defence companies step up globally at Aero India 2017

British Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin will lead the UK delegation at Aero India 2017 as Britain and India focus on partnership, collaboration, investment and technology transfer.

Mrs Baldwin, the Minister for Defence Procurement, joined 20 UK companies at the aerospace exhibition held at Air Force Station Yelahanka. Showcasing some of the most innovative technology in the defence, aviation and security sections, these cutting edge businesses will be forging long-lasting industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies.

The visit builds on the Defence and International Security Partnership (DISP) agreed in November 2015.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said:

"The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence: from manufacturing collaboration and simplified export controls, to military cooperation, training and research partnerships.

"As Britain steps up globally, we will work together with India to build knowledge, security and prosperity through a close industrial, military and economic partnership."

Mrs Baldwin was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to India; Lieutenant General Mark Poffley, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability in the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD); and Sophie Lane Regional Director for India in the Department of International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation (DSO).

Sophie Lane Regional Director in DIT DSO, said: "The UK has a significant range of world class products across the air, land, maritime and security sectors and we are encouraging UK and Indian companies to develop and sustain long term industrial partnerships, to meet our future requirements and to launch new products into the global marketplace."

1. All media are invited to visit the UK companies in Hall Stand.

2. UK Defence Exports in 2015 were worth £7.7bn making the UK the second highest defence exporter in the world.

3. UK security exports in 2015 were worth £4b.

4. Companies in the ADS group include: Airborne International Ltd, Bahrain International Airshow 2018, Boxarr, Cobham; Cranfield University, Gardner Aerospace, Nasmyth Group Ltd, Renishaw PLC,Rolls-Royce PLC, Strongfield Technologies Ltd, Techtest, Tritech Group Ltd, TVS Logistics Services Ltd, Ultra Electronics, UTC Aerospace, Valuechchain.com and Enterprises Ltd.

The UK is the top destination in Europe for inward investment and second globally only to the US.