India and France elevate defence cooperation with integrated combat system and R&D partnerships

India and France are taking their defence cooperation to the next level by exploring the development of an integrated combat system (ICS) for Indian submarines. This move is part of a broader effort to deepen research and development partnerships in defence, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set to collaborate with its French counterpart, the Directorate General of Armament (DGA).

The Indian Navy currently operates six French-origin submarines, the Kalvari class, and is considering the acquisition of three additional Kalvari class subs. The two nations have discussed the possibility of introducing an ICS into future submarines, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron welcoming ongoing discussions between DRDO and French body L’Office National d’Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) to identify technologies for R&D partnerships.

In another significant development, Prime Minister Modi has invited the French Army to consider acquiring the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, which is currently used by the Indian Army. This potential acquisition would mark another milestone in Indo-French defence ties.

The two sides discussed continuation of cooperation of air and maritime assets in line with the ambitious ‘Defence Industrial Roadmap’ agreed upon in 2024.

Modi and Macron discussed ongoing discussions in missiles, helicopter and jet engines, with French company Safran, collaborating with Indian Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to develop engines for next-generation copters and jets. India has also joined as observer in the Eurodrone UAV programme.

The two sides reiterated their desire to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in the space sector. Taking note of the substantial contribution of the first two sessions of India-France Strategic Space Dialogue to furthering this objective, they agreed to hold its third session in 2025.

They commended the strength of the partnership between French CNES and ISRO and supported the development of collaborations and synergies between their space industries.