According to media reports, India and France are preparing to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership during the annual defence dialogue scheduled in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold talks with French Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin to review the entire scope of bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions are expected to focus on expanding industrial collaboration and renewing the existing India-France defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years.
The meeting comes during the three-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, highlighting the importance both nations attach to defence and security ties.
Hammer Precision Weapon Joint Venture Likely
One of the key agenda items is the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a joint venture to manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided munition in India. Officials indicate that the agreement will promote defence manufacturing cooperation and support India’s push for self-reliance in advanced weapon systems.
In November 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense formalized a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to produce the HAMMER smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India. The joint venture is expected to operate as a private limited company with 50:50 shareholding between the Indian and French partners.
Capabilities of the HAMMER (AASM) Weapon System
The HAMMER system, developed by Safran, is officially known as Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM). It is a modular precision-guided munition designed to deliver high accuracy and extended range strike capability.
Depending on launch conditions, the weapon can engage targets at distances of up to 70 kilometres. This allows combat aircraft to strike enemy positions without entering heavily defended airspace. The system is currently integrated with India’s Dassault Rafale fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force and is also planned for integration with the Indian Navy’s Rafale Marine aircraft.
Boost to Military-to-Military Cooperation
Sources suggest that an announcement may also be made regarding reciprocal deployment of officers between the Indian Army and the French Land Forces. This step would further enhance operational understanding and strategic coordination between the two countries.
India and France already conduct regular joint military exercises, including Exercise Shakti between the armies, Exercise Varuna between the navies, and Exercise Garuda between the air forces. These engagements reflect the growing depth of operational cooperation.
Inauguration of H125 Helicopter Assembly Line
During the visit, the two defence ministers are also scheduled to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility is being set up by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with Airbus. The inauguration will be jointly conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron, symbolizing expanding aerospace industrial ties.
Strategic Importance of the India-France Defence Pact
Defence has remained a key pillar of the India-France strategic partnership. The renewal of the 10-year defence pact is expected to provide long-term direction to bilateral defence cooperation and accelerate industrial collaboration in advanced military technologies.
High-level exchanges in recent years have reinforced this relationship. Prime Minister Modi attended France’s Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour in 2023, while President Macron was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Parade in 2024.
The upcoming dialogue marks the first official visit of Catherine Vautrin to India since assuming office in October 2025. The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue continues to serve as a structured ministerial platform to review and guide defence and security cooperation between the two strategic partners.
