BENGALURU, : India and France are set to expand their strategic defence partnership during the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue scheduled for February 17, 2026, in Bengaluru. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the talks with French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, marking her first official visit to India since assuming office on October 12, 2025.
The annual dialogue serves as a structured institutional mechanism to review the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, including military collaboration, defence industrial partnerships, technology transfer, and long-term strategic planning. The meeting comes ahead of India’s anticipated acquisition of 114 additional Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft, a program expected to significantly shape future aerospace cooperation between the two countries.
MoU on Indigenous Manufacturing of Hammer Missiles
A key outcome expected from the dialogue is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture for the indigenous production of the Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) precision-guided munition.
The proposed joint venture will be formed between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence on a 50:50 equity basis. The project targets approximately 60 percent indigenization under India’s “Make in India” framework.
The Hammer is a precision-strike, air-to-ground weapon designed to neutralize hardened structures and high-value targets. It is currently integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter aircraft fleet as well as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Local production is expected to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce long-term dependency on imports.
Renewal of Defence Cooperation Framework
Both sides are also expected to renew the existing India–France Defence Cooperation Agreement for another 10-year period. The renewal will provide continuity to ongoing programmes and establish a stable framework for expanded cooperation across services and defence industries.
The agreement covers joint research, defence manufacturing, military training, operational coordination, and structured policy consultations.
Rafale Programme and Aerospace Manufacturing
The dialogue takes place amid discussions surrounding India’s proposed acquisition of 114 additional Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft. If finalized, French aerospace major Dassault Aviation is expected to manufacture the majority of these aircraft in India.
Local production of Rafale jets would significantly expand India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and build upon previous India–France industrial collaborations. Existing cooperation includes Safran’s joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for helicopter engine production, supporting indigenous rotorcraft programs.
The Rafale programme is expected to involve technology transfer, supply chain localization, and participation of Indian private and public sector firms.
H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Karnataka
During the visit, Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin are expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Vemagal, Karnataka.
The facility is a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters. It will be inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Vemagal unit is India’s first private-sector helicopter final assembly line. The H125 helicopter is intended for civil and utility roles, and the project reflects expanding aerospace manufacturing collaboration between Indian and French firms.
Military-to-Military Engagement and Interoperability
Beyond industrial cooperation, the ministers are expected to review operational and personnel exchanges between the two armed forces.
An announcement is anticipated regarding reciprocal deployment of officers at Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments to improve interoperability and professional military education exchanges.
The dialogue will also review progress in regular tri-services exercises conducted between the two countries:
Exercise Shakti (Army)
Exercise Varuna (Navy)
Exercise Garuda (Air Force)
These exercises focus on joint operational planning, maritime security, air combat training, and counter-terror operations.
Regional Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Discussions are expected to address regional security developments and the India–EU Security and Defence Partnership, reflecting shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Context of Bilateral Relations
Defence cooperation remains a central pillar of India–France relations, supported by high-level political engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended France’s Bastille Day Parade in July 2023 as Guest of Honour, and President Emmanuel Macron was Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2024.
The 6th Annual Defence Dialogue follows the previous edition held in France in October 2023, continuing the established framework for bilateral defence engagement.
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