France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Safran has said it will set up an engine assembly line and source parts from Indian suppliers for the Rafale M88 engine. (Photo: Indian Ministry of Defence)
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s 17-19 February visit to India locked in a decade of defence continuity, anchoring US$40-50 billion in joint programmes that shift the partnership from buyer and seller to true co‑development.
The renewed strategic roadmap secures the Rafale production line, accelerates the Safran engine joint venture, extends the Scorpene submarine pipeline, and deepens the missile‑manufacturing ecosystem.
Among the 21 agreements between the two countries, a standout is the Bharat Electronics–Safran Electronics & Defence joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles in India for the Rafale fleet. Reciprocal officer deployments across both the French and the Indian armies were also confirmed.
At
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum]()
Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum
Windracers is using Eurosatory 2026 to showcase its ULTRA autonomous cargo aircraft following its selection for a major UK support package for Ukraine and growing government backing for drone operations.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
