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New Delhi. Strategic and defense relations between India and France are now touching new heights as a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'. Because now the relationship between the two countries has moved out of the traditional framework of just one buyer and seller and has transformed into deep technological integration under co-development and Make-in-India. After the success of Rafale fighter planes and Scorpene submarines, now both the countries are moving towards the direction of future air combat system i.e. sixth generation fighter aircraft. According to sources, work is going on on many big projects under this partnership, which will completely change India's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Preparations for India's entry in the sixth generation jet program

According to information received from defense corridors, India has intensified strategic efforts to join the France-led 'Future Combat Air System' programme. This is the sixth generation technology, which includes unmanned drones, advanced sensors and artificial intelligence based data networks. India's aim is not just to buy this technology, but to be a part of its design and its industrial development, so that the Indian Air Force can get a decisive edge over regional rivals like China and Pakistan.

₹3.25 lakh crore proposal for 114 additional Rafale aircraft

Discussions are in the final stages for the purchase of 114 additional fighter planes to overcome the shortage of fighter planes of the Indian Air Force. French company Dassault Aviation has submitted its technical and commercial proposal to the Indian government for this mega deal worth approximately ₹ 3.25 lakh crore.

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According to the information received, the biggest condition of this deal is technology transfer. Under the 'Buy Global, Make in India' model, France is ready to share the technology of Rafale's engine, airframe and software with India. According to the plan, after the initial aircraft, about 90 Rafale aircraft will be manufactured in India, which will give Indian engineers experience in making state-of-the-art fighter jets. With this, India will be able to directly integrate its indigenous weapons into Rafale.

Apart from this, to increase the strength of the Navy, the sixth and last Scorpene class submarine 'INS Wagshir', which is being built under 'Project-75' in collaboration with France, has been inducted into the Indian Navy in January 2025. Apart from this, talks between the two countries are also progressing rapidly on the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers and co-production of new submarines under 'Project-75I'.

France's big defense hub to be built in India

To promote 'Make in India', French aerospace giant Safran has set up a large aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul center near Hyderabad. The company has also announced to start an MRO shop in India for Rafale's powerful M88 engine. With this, India will not have to depend on foreign countries for the maintenance of Rafale aircraft in future and there will be a huge reduction in operating costs.

Defense analysts' perspective

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Defense experts believe that this increasing defense coordination between India and France reduces India's dependence on any other superpower. Also, France is ready to transfer sensitive technology to India without any geopolitical condition, which is very important for India's strategic autonomy and self-reliant India campaign. These mega deals are expected to be officially sealed during high-level bilateral visits in the coming months.