Defense Ministers Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin chaired the sixth India-France Annual Defense Dialogue in Bengaluru, announcing the extension of their landmark defense cooperation agreement by another 10 years. A standout outcome: the Hammer missile, a sophisticated guided munition for Rafale aircraft, will now be produced domestically through a new partnership.
Discussions delved into co-development of equipment, cutting-edge tech collaboration, and direct ties between defense industries. The agreement’s renewal reflects mutual trust and shared strategic visions beyond mere transactions.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense inked an MoU for a joint venture, propelling India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goals by localizing high-tech missile production. This will significantly augment the Indian Air Force’s firepower, complementing its Rafale fleet and ongoing procurement talks.
Military interoperability took center stage with plans for cross-postings of army officers, enhancing training, strategic alignment, and collaborative operations. Singh emphasized India’s proactive stance in regional security, providing aid in defense, maritime safety, and humanitarian efforts, while flagging Pakistan-backed terrorism.
Vautrin expressed gratitude for India’s hosting and endorsed making joint exercises yearly. Held against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics and the Indian Ocean’s strategic importance, this engagement solidifies a robust, enduring alliance poised to shape future security architectures.