India has extended an offer to France for its indigenously developed Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron engaged in discussions to deepen defence and security cooperation. The offer is seen as a significant step in Indo-French strategic ties, which have already seen collaborations in combat aircraft, submarines, and advanced defence technologies.
Pinaka: A Growing Export Success
The Pinaka MBRL system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army, has attracted international interest. In 2023, Armenia became its first foreign buyer, signing a $245 million deal for the weapon system. Other nations, including Indonesia and Nigeria, have also expressed interest in acquiring Pinaka.
During their discussions, Modi invited the French Army to evaluate the Pinaka system, stressing that France’s acquisition of the MBRL would mark another milestone in the growing Indo-French defence relationship.
Expanding India-France Defence Collaboration
France has been one of India’s closest defence partners in Europe, supplying key military platforms such as Rafale combat jets and Scorpene-class submarines. Currently, both nations are negotiating a deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
According to a joint statement released on Wednesday, the leaders also reviewed progress on the P75-Scorpene submarine project, including the indigenisation of components and the integration of a DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. India has already commissioned six Scorpene-class submarines, with plans to acquire three more.
Additionally, India and France are in advanced discussions on missiles, helicopter engines, and jet engines. France’s Safran Group is collaborating with Indian partners on the development of aero engines, which is seen as a key step towards India’s self-reliance in military aviation technology.
In a significant move, Macron welcomed India’s inclusion as an observer in the Eurodrone programme, managed by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), which oversees collaborative defence projects involving European nations.
Joint Efforts Against Terrorism
Apart from defence cooperation, Modi and Macron reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Without directly naming Pakistan, the leaders called for collective action against terror financing networks and safe havens.
The joint statement emphasized the need for designating individuals linked to UN-listed terror groups and strengthening cooperation in organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and No Money for Terror (NMFT).
Strengthening Defence Innovation
Both sides have already launched FRIND-X (France-India Defence Startup Excellence) to boost innovation in defence technology. Modi and Macron also stressed the importance of early collaboration between DRDO and France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) on research and development in defence technologies.
Sources By Agencies
