New Delhi: India and the United Kingdom (UK) have formally launched the India‑UK Autonomous Platforms and Uncrewed Systems Working Group at the Farnborough International Air Show 2026, marking a major step in bilateral defence technology cooperation. The initiative is designed to translate strategic roadmaps into joint industrial outcomes, focusing on autonomous, uncrewed, and underwater systems.
The new group is industry‑led and aims to bring together companies, innovators, researchers and defence experts from both nations. It sits within the United Kingdom-India Business Council–Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers Joint Working Group framework and directly supports the India‑UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, which is a central pillar of the Vision 2035 partnership.
The announcement was made at Farnborough, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defence exhibitions. The timing underscores the importance both countries attach to next‑generation defence technologies, particularly autonomous and uncrewed platforms that are increasingly shaping modern military operations.
SIDM Director General K Ramesh emphasised that this inaugural Sub-Working Group provides the operational framework needed to convert high‑level government roadmaps into tangible industrial outcomes. He noted that by creating a sustained environment for cooperation, the initiative will enable both defence industries to build a powerful ecosystem for mutual business. He also highlighted that this pilot program will pave the way for similar capability‑focused groups in other critical defence sectors.
The Working Group has been tasked with identifying practical opportunities for collaboration. These include joint development projects, manufacturing partnerships, supply‑chain integration and technology innovation. By establishing a dedicated forum for engagement, the group aims to accelerate the development of future capabilities and foster long‑term partnerships between organisations in both countries.
UKIBC Group CEO Dr Kishore Jayaraman stated that both India and the UK are investing heavily in technologies that will define the future of defence. He explained that the Working Group provides a platform for industry, academia and innovators to come together, identify real opportunities and turn ambition into tangible outcomes. He expressed confidence that new partnerships and capabilities will emerge through closer cooperation.
Dr Helen Almey, Head of Capability Engagement – National Security and Resilience at ADS Group, will serve as co‑chair on the UK side. Sameer Joshi, CEO and Director of NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt Ltd, will act as her Indian counterpart. The group will meet regularly and will be jointly supported by SIDM and UKIBC, both not‑for‑profit organisations dedicated to defence industry advocacy and strategic consulting.
The initiative is expected to cover a wide spectrum of autonomous technologies, including aerial, land and underwater systems.
Advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors and secure communications are transforming defence operations, and both nations see this as a fast‑growing segment of the global defence industry. Particular emphasis has been placed on underwater autonomous systems, reflecting the strategic importance of maritime security in the Indo‑Pacific.
The Working Group will report to the wider Joint Working Group and is set to be the first of several capability‑focused groups. These will advance the Defence Industrial Roadmap and strengthen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest. By linking industry, academia and innovators, the initiative is expected to accelerate co‑development, manufacturing integration and deployment of autonomous defence technologies
This launch represents a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional buyer‑seller relationships and towards collaborative innovation. It signals a new chapter in India‑UK defence ties, where shared strategic ambitions are being transformed into practical technological and industrial partnerships.
