India and France have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and manufacture drones for defense applications, with an eye on both domestic use and global exports. This collaboration is part of the two countries’ broader commitment to deepen technological cooperation in critical sectors.
The announcement came during French Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu’s recent visit to India, where he met Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The drone partnership will involve joint research and development, production in India, and eventual export to friendly countries.
“This is a major step forward in defense manufacturing and aligns with our ‘Make in India for the world’ vision,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Defence. “France brings deep aerospace expertise, while India offers scale, talent, and strategic market access.”
While the specifics of the drone platforms are yet to be disclosed, the collaboration is expected to focus on both surveillance and combat-capable UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), tailored for varied terrains and defense needs.
This initiative builds on the strong defense and strategic relationship between the two nations, which already includes joint exercises, technology transfer, and procurement programs like the Rafale fighter jet deal.
Industry experts see this as a milestone in India’s journey toward defense self-reliance and export capability. The move is expected to boost indigenous drone manufacturing and create new opportunities for startups and MSMEs in the aerospace and defense sectors.
As India positions itself as a defense technology hub, the India-France drone collaboration signals growing international confidence in its innovation ecosystem and manufacturing potential.
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