ADS and the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC) have signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026to strengthen cooperation between the UK and Indian aerospace and defence industries.
Signed on the sidelines of the UK-India Aerospace and Defence Trade and Networking Event, the agreement aims to promote bilateral trade, industrial cooperation and market access between the two countries. The event brought together representatives from the UK and Indian governments, industry and trade bodies to mark the UK-India Free Trade Agreement and discuss future collaboration.
The agreement includes joint participation at international airshows and major exhibitions, along with roundtables, industry forums and business-to-business events aligned with the Roadmap for UK-India Defence Industrial Cooperation signed in July 2025. It will also support UK companies seeking to enter or expand in the Indian market while facilitating the exchange of market intelligence, policy insights and best practices.
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 stated:
“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.”
