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Poland is seeking deeper defence, space and cyber ties with India, including joint production of drones and reconnaissance satellites, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Bartoszewski has said during his ongoing visit to New Delhi. Bartoszewski, in India on 27-28 August with officials from Poland’s defence sector, said the trip was focused on “very concrete cooperation agreements” two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw launched a strategic partnership and a joint action plan.&nbsp;“We are halfway through our action plan, and we have managed to do more than 50 per cent of what we agreed. So we want to move forward,” he said. Poland, he added, understood India’s insistence that sales be paired with local manufacturing. “When we sell something, we have to produce some of these elements made in India.”&nbsp;Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and “is going to move into manufacturing” there. “Drone and anti-drone [capability] is one of the changing faces of war nowadays. So we do cooperate with the Indian government on that.”&nbsp;Space is the other priority. Poland has launched its own satellites to monitor security threats and is discussing production in India of reconnaissance satellites. “Space is now playing an increasing role in warfare,” Bartoszewski said. “India is very much interested in that as well.”&nbsp;Warsaw also wants Indian industry to tap Poland’s €44 billion allocation under the European Union’s SAFE defence programme. “Indian companies are interested in participating in that programme as well,” he said. Talks cover Polish firms producing in India and Indian firms producing in Poland, with products potentially sold to third markets.&nbsp;The two sides also plan to work on cyber defence, port security and the protection of undersea cables. “We face very serious cyber threats. We face terrorist attacks. We have problems with port security [and] underwater cable security,” Bartoszewski said. An Indian defence delegation is expected in Poland in September, and Indian manufacturers have been invited to a major defence exhibition in Central Europe.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-director-met-russian-intelligence-officials-during-secret-moscow-trip-but-trump-calls-it-semi-routine-1787814070157">CIA director met Russian intelligence officials during secret Moscow trip, but Trump calls it ‘semi-routine’</a><h3>EAM S. Jaishankar to visit Poland next week</h3>External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Poland next week. Bartoszewski described contacts between the two foreign ministries as unusually frequent. “He sees our minister a few times a year. This is a very close working relationship.”&nbsp;Trade is another target. Officials have discussed nearly doubling bilateral trade to $10 billion a year within four years, aided by the EU-India free trade agreement. “We think we haven’t realised our mutual potential,” he said. The partnership also rests on wartime history. Indian rulers sheltered Polish refugees, including children, during the Second World War, before India’s independence.&nbsp;A museum is being prepared in Kolhapur, and Polish parliamentarians have collected artefacts for the project. Bartoszewski recalled Prime Minister Modi meeting some of those former child refugees in Poland. “They told him they saw the Indian flag being hoisted on the day of independence. He was quite moved.”

Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and is going to move into manufacturing there. Space is the other priority as well for Poland.

Poland is seeking deeper defence, space and cyber ties with India, including joint production of drones and reconnaissance satellites, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Bartoszewski has said during his ongoing visit to New Delhi. Bartoszewski, in India on 27-28 August with officials from Poland’s defence sector, said the trip was focused on “very concrete cooperation agreements” two years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Warsaw launched a strategic partnership and a joint action plan. “We are halfway through our action plan, and we have managed to do more than 50 per cent of what we agreed. So we want to move forward,” he said. Poland, he added, understood India’s insistence that sales be paired with local manufacturing. “When we sell something, we have to produce some of these elements made in India.” Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and “is going to move into manufacturing” there. “Drone and anti-drone [capability] is one of the changing faces of war nowadays. So we do cooperate with the Indian government on that.” Space is the other priority. Poland has launched its own satellites to monitor security threats and is discussing production in India of reconnaissance satellites. “Space is now playing an increasing role in warfare,” Bartoszewski said. “India is very much interested in that as well.” Warsaw also wants Indian industry to tap Poland’s €44 billion allocation under the European Union’s SAFE defence programme. “Indian companies are interested in participating in that programme as well,” he said. Talks cover Polish firms producing in India and Indian firms producing in Poland, with products potentially sold to third markets. The two sides also plan to work on cyber defence, port security and the protection of undersea cables. “We face very serious cyber threats. We face terrorist attacks. We have problems with port security [and] underwater cable security,” Bartoszewski said. An Indian defence delegation is expected in Poland in September, and Indian manufacturers have been invited to a major defence exhibition in Central Europe. Also read: CIA director met Russian intelligence officials during secret Moscow trip, but Trump calls it ‘semi-routine’ EAM S. Jaishankar to visit Poland next week External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Poland next week. Bartoszewski described contacts between the two foreign ministries as unusually frequent. “He sees our minister a few times a year. This is a very close working relationship.” Trade is another target. Officials have discussed nearly doubling bilateral trade to $10 billion a year within four years, aided by the EU-India free trade agreement. “We think we haven’t realised our mutual potential,” he said. The partnership also rests on wartime history. Indian rulers sheltered Polish refugees, including children, during the Second World War, before India’s independence. A museum is being prepared in Kolhapur, and Polish parliamentarians have collected artefacts for the project. Bartoszewski recalled Prime Minister Modi meeting some of those former child refugees in Poland. “They told him they saw the Indian flag being hoisted on the day of independence. He was quite moved.”

Drones are among the most immediate areas of work. A Polish firm is already operating in India and is going to move into manufacturing there. Space is the other priority as well for Poland.

Poland offers India role in €44bn EU defence drive before EAM Jaishankar's visit

Two big stories on the future of warfare: China's J-16 fighter jets faced off against Egyptian Rafales in 'Eagles of Civilization 2026' — the first-ever Chinese jet vs Rafale combat drill, significant since the IAF flies the same French fighter. 
Meanwhile, India is building a 52-satellite surveillance grid under SBS-III to watch its borders from space, layering satellites, drones and sensors into one integrated watchtower. From the sky to space, here's how the surveillance and air-combat landscape around India is shifting.

J-16 vs Rafale: China's fighter faces french jet in Egypt war drills 

China’s J-16 and Egyptian Rafales have conducted medium and close-range air-combat drills during the Eagles of Civilization 2026 exercise in Egypt. The encounter is significant because it gives Chinese pilots direct training exposure against the Rafale, a fighter also operated by the Indian Air Force. Watch the video to know which fighter jet emerges as the winner.


Chinese J-16 clashes with French Rafale: Who wins the ultimate sky battle? 

India is rapidly expanding its surveillance architecture with a combination of 52 planned satellites, advanced drones, border sensors and integrated command networks. The effort aims to provide persistent monitoring across land, sea, air and space domains. Lessons from recent conflicts have highlighted the growing importance of real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). By linking satellites, drones and battlefield sensors into a common network, India hopes to improve threat detection, target tracking and military decision-making while strengthening border security and maritime awareness.


The new surveillance war: 52 satellites to boost India's eyes in orbit 

Operation Sindoor thrust India's Akash missile system into the spotlight, showcasing the indigenous air-defence platform in a live combat environment. As countries grapple with missile threats, drone swarms and shortages of advanced systems such as the Patriot, India's defence industry is emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative. Backed by Vision 2030, New Delhi is building a mature defence-industrial complex, with production crossing $18 billion and exports reaching more than 80 countries. From Akash and Pinaka to advanced drones, radars and electronic warfare systems, India is rapidly transitioning from one of the world's largest arms importers to a significant exporter of next-generation military technology.

India's defence revolution: How Akash is driving a global military push

Operation Sindoor proved India's Akash system in combat. Patriot missiles are in short supply. Ukraine urgently wants more Patriot missile batteries. Now America is rebuilding its arsenal which has been severely depleted during the Iran war. The Akash Missile System is an indigenous, mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. This short explainer shows how Akash’s networked radars, mobile launchers and dual-mode seekers offer affordable, scalable defence against missiles, drones and low-orbit threats. Watch the video to know why nations are lining up for Aakash and how drone swarms forced a rethink in layered air defence.

How Akash became the world's most wanted air-defence system

Vision 2030s: India's path to a mature defence complex 

In a milestone joint military exercise, China’s advanced J-16 strike fighter engaged in complex combat drills with Egypt’s French-built Rafale jets. The exercise highlights deepening defense cooperation, joint tactical interoperability, and the exchange of advanced combat aviation insights between the Chinese and Egyptian armed forces.

Chinese J-16 fighter jet faces off against Rafale

India's defence exports are gaining momentum as countries increasingly show interest in its indigenous weapon systems. Armenia is reportedly looking at the Pralay missile, while Egypt is evaluating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher. The growing international demand highlights India's emergence as a major defence manufacturer and exporter. With comparisons being drawn between Pinaka and the U.S.-made HIMARS system, India's homegrown firepower is attracting attention in an increasingly competitive global arms market.


Pinaka vs HIMARS: India enters the global rocket race 

Drones have evolved from simple surveillance tools into some of the most influential weapons on the modern battlefield. From Ukraine's reported strike on a Lukoil refinery deep inside Russia to the UAE's use of steel cages to protect fuel infrastructure from drone attacks, militaries are rapidly adapting to a new era of warfare. As drones become cheaper, smarter and more lethal, they are reshaping military strategy, forcing nations to rethink defence systems and redefining how wars are fought in the 21st century.


Drone warfare: Race now on to build cheaper, smarter & more deadly drones

India's indigenous weapons go global | World powers line up for India's homegrown firepower

The future of warfare takes flight | From recon to precision strikes, drones have come a long way 

India’s push towards a smarter, more connected and indigenous battlefield ecosystem was in focus at the&nbsp;Surveillance, C4I2 and Electro-Optics 2026 Seminar and Exhibition,&nbsp;at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi. Jointly organised by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) and&nbsp;Indian Military Review (IMR), the seminar brought together India's senior military leadership and private-sector defence manufacturers to deliberate on surveillance, secure communications, electronic warfare and the technologies increasingly defining modern combat.&nbsp;Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh underlined the growing importance of information superiority, saying that&nbsp;“today’s battlefields are defined by information-superiority, network-centric operations and split-second decision making.”&nbsp;The ability to detect, process and act upon information faster than an adversary is emerging as a decisive advantage. Air Marshal Singh stressed the importance of shortening the&nbsp;OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act) while also highlighting the need for greater self-reliance in modern communication systems.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-defence-minister-shinjiro-koizumi-to-visit-india-next-week-for-key-talks-with-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-1786890035908">Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi to visit India next week for key talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh</a>&nbsp;Deputy Chief of Army Staff&nbsp;Lt Gen Rahul R Singh&nbsp;highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s C4I2 capabilities as the armed forces prepare for increasingly complex, multi-domain operations. The discussions also underscored the need for battlefield systems capable of operating effectively in heavily contested electronic-warfare environments.&nbsp;Interactions with private-sector manufacturers formed a crucial part of the seminar, reflecting the growing role of Indian industry in the country’s indigenisation push. The exhibition offered a glimpse into how Indian tactical and surveillance technologies are increasingly being viewed by international customers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-france-defence-ties-beyond-rafale-next-gen-aerospace-tech-future-combat-air-system-fcas-and-more-1786955675835">India-France defence ties beyond Rafale: Next-gen aerospace tech, Future Combat Air System and more</a>&nbsp;Amit Mahajan, Director (R&amp;D), Paras Defence &amp; Space Technologies Ltd, said perceptions of India in overseas defence markets are changing significantly. India, he explained, is no longer viewed merely as a source of cost-effective defence products. Its growing portfolio of operationally deployed and battle-proven systems is generating elevated interest among foreign governments, customers and defence partners.&nbsp;As warfare becomes increasingly driven by sensors, networks and real-time data, the message from New Delhi was clear: information superiority, indigenous technology and faster decision-making will be central to securing India’s battlefield edge.&nbsp;

At the C4I2 and Electro-Optics 2026 Seminar in New Delhi, Indian military leadership and defence manufacturers discussed building an indigenous battlefield ecosystem, network-centric operations, and shortening the OODA loop for information superiority.

India’s push towards a smarter, more connected and indigenous battlefield ecosystem was in focus at the Surveillance, C4I2 and Electro-Optics 2026 Seminar and Exhibition, at the Air Force Auditorium in New Delhi. Jointly organised by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) and Indian Military Review (IMR), the seminar brought together India's senior military leadership and private-sector defence manufacturers to deliberate on surveillance, secure communications, electronic warfare and the technologies increasingly defining modern combat. Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh underlined the growing importance of information superiority, saying that “today’s battlefields are defined by information-superiority, network-centric operations and split-second decision making.” The ability to detect, process and act upon information faster than an adversary is emerging as a decisive advantage. Air Marshal Singh stressed the importance of shortening the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act) while also highlighting the need for greater self-reliance in modern communication systems. Also read: Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi to visit India next week for key talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Rahul R Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s C4I2 capabilities as the armed forces prepare for increasingly complex, multi-domain operations. The discussions also underscored the need for battlefield systems capable of operating effectively in heavily contested electronic-warfare environments. Interactions with private-sector manufacturers formed a crucial part of the seminar, reflecting the growing role of Indian industry in the country’s indigenisation push. The exhibition offered a glimpse into how Indian tactical and surveillance technologies are increasingly being viewed by international customers. Also read: India-France defence ties beyond Rafale: Next-gen aerospace tech, Future Combat Air System and more Amit Mahajan, Director (R&D), Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd, said perceptions of India in overseas defence markets are changing significantly. India, he explained, is no longer viewed merely as a source of cost-effective defence products. Its growing portfolio of operationally deployed and battle-proven systems is generating elevated interest among foreign governments, customers and defence partners. As warfare becomes increasingly driven by sensors, networks and real-time data, the message from New Delhi was clear: information superiority, indigenous technology and faster decision-making will be central to securing India’s battlefield edge.

At the C4I2 and Electro-Optics 2026 Seminar in New Delhi, Indian military leadership and defence manufacturers discussed building an indigenous battlefield ecosystem, network-centric operations, and shortening the OODA loop for information superiority.

India prepares for the networked battlefield: IAF’s big push for information superiority

India has signed a $203 million (₹1,943 crore) deal to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).This move will significantly boost New Delhi’s air defense capabilities**, including** long-range surveillance.The deal has been signed between the Ministry of Defence and US defence company General Atomics for a 30-month period for the Indian Navy.&nbsp;In a statement, the Ministry of Defence noted, “The MQ-9B SeaGuardian HALE RPAS, equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated payloads, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities. The systems will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance coverage over vast areas of the maritime domain, strengthening India’s ability to monitor and respond to developments across the Indian Ocean Region.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ministry of Defence on August 17, 2026 has signed a contract with <a href="https://x.com/GenAtomics_ASI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GenAtomics_ASI</a> for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS for the <a href="https://x.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> for 30 months, at a cost of approximately Rs 1,943 crore. Equipped with advanced sensors and sophisticated payloads, the MQ-9B Sea… <a href="https://t.co/wZBEC1Ixux">pic.twitter.com/wZBEC1Ixux</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/2089295518426157162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>About MQ-9B SeaGuardian</h2> It is a maritime-focused remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) designed to deliver persistent maritime domain awareness over the horizon via satellite. Able to fly in all weather conditions for over 30 hours depending on its configuration, it can safely integrate into civil airspace to provide real-time situational awareness to joint forces and civil authorities day or night. It is the first RPAS in its class equipped to conduct real-time search and patrol operations both above and below the ocean's surface.Versatile sensor integration and mission capabilities Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-france-defence-ties-beyond-rafale-next-gen-aerospace-tech-future-combat-air-system-fcas-and-more-1786955675835">India-France defence ties beyond Rafale: Next-gen aerospace tech, Future Combat Air System and more</a> Built with a highly versatile design, the aircraft utilises "bolt-on/bolt-off" sensors to seamlessly integrate advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment. These features include a centerline wide-area maritime radar, electronic support measures, an automatic identification system, and a self-contained anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission kit. Through its open architecture system, SeaGuardian can be configured for a vast range of missions, such as search and rescue, law enforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, long-range strategic ISR, over-the-horizon targeting, airborne mine countermeasures, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/economy/technology-transfer-deal-boosts-india-s-defence-manufacturing-ambitions-1786126661216">Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions</a> <h2>Advanced anti-submarine warfare and civil airspace compliance</h2> For anti-submarine warfare operations, SeaGuardian can incorporate a sonobuoy management and control system along with a sonobuoy dispenser system (SDS) across four wing stations. This enables operators to deploy, monitor, and control up to 40 'A' size or 80 'G' size sonobuoys from a single aircraft to remotely perform ASW worldwide. Operating at a mission radius of 1,200 nautical miles with significant on-station time for submarine prosecution, it serves as a low-cost, stand-alone capability or as a complement to human-crewed aircraft in manned-unmanned teaming operations. Furthermore, as a world-first type-certifiable RPAS built to meet NATO STANAG 4671 standards, it uses GA-ASI's Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station to integrate seamlessly into normal air traffic alongside commercial aircraft.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a $203 million (₹1,943 crore) contract with US-based General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian HALE drones for 30 months to boost Indian Navy surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region. 

India has signed a $203 million (₹1,943 crore) deal to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).This move will significantly boost New Delhi’s air defense capabilities**, including** long-range surveillance.The deal has been signed between the Ministry of Defence and US defence company General Atomics for a 30-month period for the Indian Navy. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence noted, “The MQ-9B SeaGuardian HALE RPAS, equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated payloads, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities. The systems will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance coverage over vast areas of the maritime domain, strengthening India’s ability to monitor and respond to developments across the Indian Ocean Region.”

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a $203 million (₹1,943 crore) contract with US-based General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian HALE drones for 30 months to boost Indian Navy surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region.

What makes MQ-9B SeaGuardian a game-changer? Inside India’s $203 million lease deal with General Atomics

India and France are steadily advancing their defence partnership beyond established platforms such as Rafale jets, with a series of high-level visits, agreements and defence dialogues. New Delhi has initiated efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), with the Ministry of Defence confirming the move in its response to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence on August 7. The ministry said it had “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme spearheaded by France.&nbsp;<h2>France, a core strategic defence partner for India</h2>Decades of demonstrated reliability and converging strategic interests have shaped the India-France defence relationship, particularly since India’s 1998 nuclear tests. France adopted a more independent position than several Western countries. During the 1999 Kargil conflict, France maintained close diplomatic engagement with India. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) French-origin Mirage 2000 aircraft played a key role in precision strikes during Operation Safed Sagar. Since then, a broader strategic partnership covers defence, space, civil nuclear energy, the Indo-Pacific and advanced technologies.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-offers-deal-for-114-rafale-fighter-jets-with-94-to-be-made-in-india-1786047017400">France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India</a><h2>France goes beyond major arms supplier to India</h2>Sharing converging interests in Indo-Pacific security, France has emerged as a major defence supplier to India as New Delhi diversifies away from its historic dependence on Russia.It is no longer just a traditional procurement relationship: France also provides India with access to technologies and industrial partnership models that differ from those available from the US or Russia. The stress now is on joint research, co-development and co-production rather than simply buying finished platforms. In February, India and France agreed to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to explore cooperation in emerging and critical technologies.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-strengthens-rafale-program-with-major-made-in-india-push-1771488890521/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-strengthens-rafale-program-with-major-made-in-india-push-1771488890521/embed</a><h2>From Rafale to Scorpène submarines and more</h2>The defence ties already span fighter jets, submarines, missiles and aviation technology. France completed delivery of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to the IAF in 2022. Under Project 75, the final of six Scorpène-class submarines was delivered to the Indian Navy in January 2025. In April 2025, India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The package comprises 22 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft and four twin-seat aircraft for land-based training. It includes training, simulators, weapons, associated equipment and performance-based logistics.The agreement includes plans for a Rafale fuselage production facility in India and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons.The focus is also shifting towards advanced propulsion. India and French aerospace company Safran have been discussing cooperation on a high-thrust fighter engine for India’s future combat aircraft.<h2>Direct negotiations unrestrained by alliance expectations</h2>When it comes to France, India is not dealing with a large multinational consortium in the same way it does with some other major defence programmes. This can give the two governments and their industrial partners greater scope to negotiate workshare, technology cooperation and design responsibilities directly. US defence cooperation can sometimes involve tighter export-control requirements and technology restrictions, while India has traditionally valued strategic autonomy and flexibility in its defence partnerships.The France-India relationship has increasingly centred on industrial cooperation and technology development, rather than being limited to platform purchases.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-s-op-sindoor-lies-busted-iaf-document-proves-india-s-rafale-fleet-fully-intact-1782226973572">Pakistan’s Op Sindoor lies busted, IAF document proves India’s Rafale fleet fully intact</a>&nbsp;Russia remains a historically important defence partner for India, but its position has weakened as Moscow’s ability to deliver equipment has been affected by the Ukraine war, sanctions and its own wartime requirements.<h2>The restructured FCAS could benefit the Indian private sector</h2>Indian efforts to join the French-led FCAS potentially gives it an opportunity to participate in the development of sixth-generation air combat technologies.The move comes after the collapse of the original Franco-German fighter partnership at the centre of the FCAS programme. France and Germany abandoned their joint fighter development effort in June after prolonged disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space over leadership, workshare and intellectual property.The Indian move therefore comes at a significant point in the programme’s evolution.&nbsp;The original FCAS concept was built around a New Generation Fighter (NGF), supported by unmanned Remote Carriers and a Combat Cloud connecting aircraft, sensors and other assets. The wider architecture envisages networked data sharing, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities.For India, participation in FCAS could create opportunities for domestic companies and engineering teams in airframe structures, mission systems, unmanned platforms, software and networked combat systems. India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is also moving towards development of a fifth-generation stealth fighter. The parallel pursuit of AMCA and potential participation in FCAS could allow Indian industry to build expertise across different generations of combat-aircraft technology.The FCAS effort could give Indian industry exposure to technologies and design processes beyond conventional licensed production. Potential areas include manned-unmanned teaming, mission computing, sensors, electronic warfare, autonomous systems and combat-cloud technologies.&nbsp;

India is seeking to join France’s FCAS sixth-generation fighter programme, expanding defence ties beyond Rafale jets and Scorpène submarines. The move is towards advanced technology, co-development and aerospace cooperation

India and France are steadily advancing their defence partnership beyond established platforms such as Rafale jets, with a series of high-level visits, agreements and defence dialogues. New Delhi has initiated efforts to join the French-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS), with the Ministry of Defence confirming the move in its response to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence on August 7. The ministry said it had “initiated efforts in a concerted manner to co-join” the sixth-generation fighter aircraft development programme spearheaded by France. France, a core strategic defence partner for India Decades of demonstrated reliability and converging strategic interests have shaped the India-France defence relationship, particularly since India’s 1998 nuclear tests. France adopted a more independent position than several Western countries. During the 1999 Kargil conflict, France maintained close diplomatic engagement with India. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) French-origin Mirage 2000 aircraft played a key role in precision strikes during Operation Safed Sagar. Since then, a broader strategic partnership covers defence, space, civil nuclear energy, the Indo-Pacific and advanced technologies. Also read: France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India France goes beyond major arms supplier to India Sharing converging interests in Indo-Pacific security, France has emerged as a major defence supplier to India as New Delhi diversifies away from its historic dependence on Russia. It is no longer just a traditional procurement relationship: France also provides India with access to technologies and industrial partnership models that differ from those available from the US or Russia. The stress now is on joint research, co-development and co-production rather than simply buying finished platforms. In February, India and France agreed to establish a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group to explore cooperation in emerging and critical technologies. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-strengthens-rafale-program-with-major-made-in-india-push-1771488890521/embed From Rafale to Scorpène submarines and more The defence ties already span fighter jets, submarines, missiles and aviation technology. France completed delivery of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft to the IAF in 2022. Under Project 75, the final of six Scorpène-class submarines was delivered to the Indian Navy in January 2025. In April 2025, India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The package comprises 22 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft and four twin-seat aircraft for land-based training. It includes training, simulators, weapons, associated equipment and performance-based logistics. The agreement includes plans for a Rafale fuselage production facility in India and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons. The focus is also shifting towards advanced propulsion. India and French aerospace company Safran have been discussing cooperation on a high-thrust fighter engine for India’s future combat aircraft. Direct negotiations unrestrained by alliance expectations When it comes to France, India is not dealing with a large multinational consortium in the same way it does with some other major defence programmes. This can give the two governments and their industrial partners greater scope to negotiate workshare, technology cooperation and design responsibilities directly. US defence cooperation can sometimes involve tighter export-control requirements and technology restrictions, while India has traditionally valued strategic autonomy and flexibility in its defence partnerships. The France-India relationship has increasingly centred on industrial cooperation and technology development, rather than being limited to platform purchases. Also read: Pakistan’s Op Sindoor lies busted, IAF document proves India’s Rafale fleet fully intact Russia remains a historically important defence partner for India, but its position has weakened as Moscow’s ability to deliver equipment has been affected by the Ukraine war, sanctions and its own wartime requirements. The restructured FCAS could benefit the Indian private sector Indian efforts to join the French-led FCAS potentially gives it an opportunity to participate in the development of sixth-generation air combat technologies. The move comes after the collapse of the original Franco-German fighter partnership at the centre of the FCAS programme. France and Germany abandoned their joint fighter development effort in June after prolonged disagreements between Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space over leadership, workshare and intellectual property. The Indian move therefore comes at a significant point in the programme’s evolution. The original FCAS concept was built around a New Generation Fighter (NGF), supported by unmanned Remote Carriers and a Combat Cloud connecting aircraft, sensors and other assets. The wider architecture envisages networked data sharing, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, advanced stealth and electronic warfare capabilities. For India, participation in FCAS could create opportunities for domestic companies and engineering teams in airframe structures, mission systems, unmanned platforms, software and networked combat systems. India’s own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is also moving towards development of a fifth-generation stealth fighter. The parallel pursuit of AMCA and potential participation in FCAS could allow Indian industry to build expertise across different generations of combat-aircraft technology. The FCAS effort could give Indian industry exposure to technologies and design processes beyond conventional licensed production. Potential areas include manned-unmanned teaming, mission computing, sensors, electronic warfare, autonomous systems and combat-cloud technologies.