From Mirage to Rafale: Why India-France defence partnership has an enduring legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit France on February 10 and 11, a trip that is expected to strengthen India-France relations, especially in defence. During the visit, India is likely to finalise important deals, including the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three more Scorpene-class submarines.

These deals will boost India’s naval and air strength at a time when the country is focussing on improving its military readiness. This comes amid increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and other global developments. The visit highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and France, marked by joint work in technology, defence deals and shared security goals.

Major defence deals on the table

One of the key highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France is the expected purchase of 26 Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets for the Indian Navy. These jets will be crucial in strengthening India’s aircraft carrier-based fighter fleet, particularly for INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

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Rafale-M is a naval version of Rafale fighter jet and is known for its advanced technology, strong combat abilities and ability to operate from aircraft carriers. With China increasing its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, these jets will give India a strategic advantage in maritime warfare and aerial defence.

Another major deal likely to be finalised is the purchase of three more Scorpene-class submarines under Project-75. This project originally involved building six submarines in partnership between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and France’s Naval Group, significantly improving India’s submarine warfare capabilities. Adding three more Scorpenes will further strengthen India’s underwater defence, which is vital for tackling regional security threats and protecting its interests in the Indian Ocean.

Besides these India-France agreements, India is also progressing with defence deals from other key allies. According to an India Today report, talks are in an advanced stage for buying MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States, which will greatly improve India’s surveillance and strike capabilities. Additionally, India is working on modernising its artillery systems, including acquiring new guns, as part of its broader plan to strengthen the armed forces across all military branches.

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Legacy of India-France strategic partnership

India and France have had a strong defence partnership since the 1950s. France has been a trusted supplier of military technology and their relationship grew even stronger after the Cold War.

A key moment in this partnership was India’s purchase of Mirage 2000 fighter jets in the 1980s, which greatly improved India’s air strength. After India’s nuclear tests in 1998, France stood out as one of the few Western nations that did not impose sanctions. Instead, it supported diplomatic talks, reinforcing its role as a key strategic ally for India.

The partnership deepened further with Project-75, under which six Scorpene-class submarines were built in India with help from France. This project was an important step in India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, allowing the country to develop its own defence manufacturing while using French expertise.

Another major Indo-French defence deal was the 2016 agreement for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. These jets significantly boosted India’s air power with advanced weapons, superior radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The success of the Rafale deal has opened doors for more joint projects, including the naval version of the aircraft, which is now being considered for the Indian Navy.

Expanding defence collaboration

India and France are working together not just in buying defence equipment but also in developing jet and helicopter engines. A recent partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France’s Safran to co-develop engines for military helicopters shows this growing cooperation. This effort supports India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence technology and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Make in India initiative has played an important role in shaping India-France defence ties. France has supported technology transfers, helping India strengthen its defence manufacturing. The success of Project-75 and possible future collaborations in aircraft engines and naval technology show the deep strategic engagement between the two nations.

India and France have also created a long-term plan for their partnership under the Horizon 2047 roadmap. This plan focuses on working together in key defence areas, such as next-generation fighter jets, missile defence systems and intelligence sharing. As India continues to modernise its military, France will be an important partner in helping it gain advanced technology and improve combat readiness.

Looking ahead

Prime Minister Modi’s visit will likely strengthen the partnership between India and France, especially in defence. The final approval of Rafale-M fighter jets and Scorpene submarine deals will greatly boost India’s military strength, adding important reinforcements to its naval and air forces.

Beyond these specific deals, India and France are also working together on long-term defence technology projects, joint development efforts and a shared focus on security in the Indo-Pacific region. This deep partnership shows how both countries are committed to a common vision for the future.