New Delhi, Feb 15 (.) Rajnath Singh will co-chair the sixth India-France Annual Defence Dialogue with Catherine Vautrin in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on February 17, where the two sides are expected to renew a key defence cooperation agreement for another ten years and witness the signing of an MoU for a joint venture to manufacture Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER) missiles.
The HAMMER precision-guided weapon is engineered to carry out accurate long-range strikes on high-value and fortified targets. With an operational reach of nearly 70 kilometres, it enables stand-off engagements and is particularly effective in complex terrains, including mountainous regions.
The system is compatible with advanced combat platforms such as the Dassault Rafale and the HAL Tejas, significantly enhancing their strike capability. Although it was not part of the original Rafale acquisition owing to financial considerations, the weapon was subsequently inducted under emergency procurement provisions.
The high-level dialogue will review the entire spectrum of bilateral defence ties between India and France, with a strong emphasis on expanding industrial collaboration and deepening strategic partnership in defence manufacturing and technology cooperation.
An announcement is also expected with respect to reciprocal deployment of officers at the Indian Army and French Land Forces establishments, a statement from the Ministry of Defence read.
The two ministers are also expected to witness the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly of Tata Airbus by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron at Vemagal, Karnataka.
Defence has traditionally formed an important pillar of the relationship between the two countries. The strong and enduring bilateral ties were vividly reflected in 2024-2025 through a series of high-profile exchanges. PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade in July 2023, before the French President graced the Republic Day Parade 2024 as the Chief Guest.
The recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marks a significant step in deepening collective engagement with European nations.
Military-to-military cooperation is on an increase. India and France have been regularly carrying out three major exercises – Exercise Shakti with Army, Exercise Varuna with Navy, and Exercise Garuda with Air Force, and several other opportunity engagements.
This would be the maiden visit of Vautrin to India after she took over as the French Defence Minister in October 2025.
The India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is a structured ministerial-level bilateral meeting to review and guide defence and security cooperation. . PWS KK