Modi’s France Visit Focuses on India’s Defence Needs

Modi’s France Visit Focuses on India’s Defence Needs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France has drawn attention to India’s negotiations with the country for various defence collaborations. One significant aspect is the co-development of a high-thrust engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a stealth fighter jet program. France has emerged as a key defence partner for India, with the delivery of Rafale fighter jets, joint development of Scorpene submarines, and an Airbus deal for manufacturing tactical transport aircraft.

France has become the second-largest defence supplier to India after Russia. Between 2017 and 2021, the majority of India’s military imports came from Russia (46%), France (27%), and the US (12%). The strategic partnership between India and France was established in 1998, making France one of the first countries to support India’s nuclear tests in 1998. Both nations have also signed an agreement for reciprocal logistics support between their armed forces, similar to the one between India and the US.

Regarding the engine issue for India’s stealth fighter jet program, cooperation from France is expected to resolve the matter. Developers of the AMCA are currently negotiating with the US, France, and the UK for co-developing a high-thrust 110 kN engine for the upgraded Mk2 version of the jet. France’s Safran has reportedly agreed to share its jet engine technology with India to aid in the development of the high-thrust engine. Safran had offered complete technology transfer in 2012, but the terms were not agreeable to India’s Defense Research Development Organisation (DRDO).

India plans to locally develop the high-thrust engine for the AMCA Mk2, which is expected to enter production by 2035. The engine is crucial to meet the supercruise requirements of the Mk2 version, which is not fulfilled by existing engines in the global market.

Furthermore, discussions may include the acquisition of a naval fighter jet. The Indian Navy is believed to have shown a preference for the French Rafale-M over the US F/A-18 Super Hornet for its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The Indian Navy has been waiting for India-made fighter jets for its aircraft carrier, as the naval version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) did not meet expectations. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is currently developing the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), but its induction is expected only by 2031. As a stop-gap arrangement, the Indian Navy is looking to acquire at least 26 fighter jets for its aircraft carrier.

During Modi’s visit, discussions may also touch upon the purchase of three additional Scorpene submarines to bridge the requirement gap until India’s Project-75 (P-75) submarine program is realized.

Overall, India’s negotiations with France cover various defence aspects, including the high-thrust engine for the AMCA, naval fighter jet acquisition, and additional submarines. The collaborations reflect the growing defence ties between the two countries and highlight France’s significant role as a defence partner for India.