India-France Defence Cooperation
Rafale, Scorpene, and Beyond
Defence is the centrepiece of the India-France partnership and provides the template for the "Special" designation in the partnership.
- Rafale fighter jets: India signed a Government-to-Government agreement on 23 September 2016 for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force. The Rafale (Dassault Aviation) is a 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft. India has since signed an additional deal for 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy in 2023.
- Scorpene-class submarines (Project P-75): Six Scorpene-class submarines built under technology transfer at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, with French collaboration (Naval Group/DCNS). All six delivered to the Indian Navy.
- Project P-75I: Next phase — six more submarines, with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology — where France is among the competing countries.
- Future fighter programme: France and India are exploring cooperation on a 6th-generation fighter aircraft.
● Tracked since February 11, 2026 · last seen June 14, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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