New Delhi: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) Thursday signed a technical agreement to deepen bilateral collaboration in the field of research and development.
Sources in the defence and security establishment explained that this does not pertain to any specific project like the planned co-development of fighter engines, but an overarching agreement that will enable joint R&D.
They said the agreement—signed by DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat and National Armaments Director (Direction générale de l’armement), France, Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta—will pave the way for joint research, sharing of know-how, joint training and even collaborative research where both countries will hold intellectual property rights.
This strategic partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for future defence challenges, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement.
It added that the agreement provides a formal framework for joint research and training programmes, testing activities, exchange of information, organisation of workshops, seminars etc. to enhance the skill and knowledge in defence R&D.
Under the agreement, the transfer of equipment, know-how and technologies will be available to both countries.
Key areas of cooperation outlined in this agreement include aeronautical platforms, unmanned vehicles, advanced materials for defence applications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space, navigation, advanced propulsion, advanced sensors, quantum technologies, underwater technologies and other areas of mutual interest, the statement said.
Both countries are looking at declaring 2026 as the ‘India-France year of innovation’ which will not be limited to just pure defence. France was India’s first strategic partner and an agreement to this effect was signed on 26 January 1998.
While defence, security and nuclear continue to be the main pillar of this relationship, the strategic cooperation now includes a strong Indo-Pacific component.
In recent years, the partnership has broadened to include cooperation in the digital sphere, cybersecurity and advanced computing, climate change, blue economy, and renewable and sustainable development, among other things.
On the defence front, India currently uses several French equipment including fighters, submarines, helicopters, various kinds of missiles among others.
Future plans include co-development of a new fighter engine to power India’s future aircraft, besides manufacturing of the Rafale combat aircraft in India.
(Edited by Shashank Kishan)
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