India-France Defence: India and France are taking their defence partnership into newer areas. The ties are no longer only about buying Rafale jets or submarines. India is now trying to take part in France’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a programme linked to sixth-generation fighter technology.
The Ministry of Defence told a Parliamentary Standing Committee that it had “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme. The committee has also asked for a clear plan and timeline for India’s future sixth-generation fighter capability.
Why France remains Important for India
India and France have had a strategic partnership since 1998. Defence, space and civil nuclear cooperation are among its main areas. France has also remained an important defence partner as India works to reduce its old dependence on Russian military equipment.
During the Kargil War, French-made Mirage 2000 fighters were used by the Indian Air Force for precision strikes. The partnership has now moved more towards joint technology and manufacturing.
In February 2026, India and France renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years. They also created a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to look at critical and emerging technologies.
Rafale, Scorpene and New Technology
France has already supplied 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to the IAF. India also received the sixth and final Scorpene submarine under Project 75 in January 2025.
In April 2025, India signed a deal for 26 Rafale-Marine jets for the Navy. The order has 22 single-seat aircraft and four twin-seat aircraft. It also covers training, simulators, weapons, support and technology transfer for integrating Indian weapons.
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The partnership is also growing around manufacturing. A Rafale fuselage production facility is being set up in India. MRO facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons are also part of the wider cooperation. Safran is separately working with Indian partners on aircraft engine projects.
India’s FCAS plan comes at a big moment
The FCAS programme changed after France and Germany dropped their joint plan for the new fighter in June 2026. The dispute involved control, industrial work and intellectual property. Some parts of the wider FCAS system, including the combat cloud and unmanned systems, are expected to continue.
For India, joining the French-led effort could open doors to advanced technologies such as stealth, sensors, electronic warfare, artificial intelligence and unmanned aircraft. It could also help Indian engineers work on systems where manned fighters and drones operate together.
India is also developing its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft or AMCA.
