Australia and India are continuing to strengthen their aerospace and defence relationship, with both countries expanding cooperation across military technology, maritime security, defence industry engagement and innovation partnerships. The latest developments reflect growing strategic alignment between the two nations amid an evolving Indo-Pacific security environment.
The renewed focus on collaboration was highlighted during the 10th Australia–India Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi earlier this month. Senior officials from both countries discussed ways to strengthen interoperability, maritime cooperation and defence industry partnerships while advancing long-term strategic goals.
Officials from Australia and India also welcomed the growing frequency of joint military exercises and defence engagements. India’s participation in major defence exercises including Exercise Talisman Sabre and Exercise Kakadu was highlighted as an important step in boosting operational coordination and strengthening military ties between both countries.
Defence cooperation is also expanding beyond military exercises into aerospace innovation and technology partnerships. Both nations are increasingly exploring opportunities in advanced science, cyber security, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and maritime technologies as part of their broader strategic partnership.
Australia and India have also continued strengthening commercial aerospace collaboration. One major example is the Space MAITRI mission, which will see the largest Australian-made spacecraft launched through India’s space launch capabilities, marking a significant milestone in bilateral space cooperation.
The partnership is also creating new opportunities for defence manufacturers and aerospace companies from both countries. Recent defence industry roundtables, trade missions and strategic discussions have focused on increasing co-development, manufacturing and technology-sharing opportunities between Australian and Indian firms.
Both governments say the growing defence relationship reflects shared interests in maintaining a secure, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. Australia and India, both members of the Quad alliance alongside the United States and Japan, continue to deepen regional cooperation as geopolitical competition increases across the Indo-Pacific.
The expanding partnership also highlights India’s growing role as a global aerospace and defence manufacturing hub under its “Make in India” initiative. Industry collaborations involving advanced aircraft systems, defence technologies and military infrastructure are expected to further strengthen bilateral ties in the coming years.
