French aircraft package for India – attractive or not?
France is attempting to tease India into buying aircraft and helicopters, but such a package deal may not be the ideal solution for Delhi.
France is upping the ante to take forward defence cooperation with India.
At the annual strategic dialogue in Delhi on 7 January, Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to President Macron, proposed a second tranche of 36 Rafale fighters, six leased A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT) and transfer of the AS565 Panther assembly line to India.
A Ministry of External Affairs statement said the two sides held discussions on ‘counterterrorism, cybersecurity, defence cooperation, maritime security, regional and global issues and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region’.
However, there is scepticism on the reduced price of €5 billion ($6.04 billion) quoted by French media
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
-
![How can you own the sky?]()
How can you own the sky?
With an unparalleled range of solutions, RTX is equipping pilots with a distinct advantage, before the mission even begins.
-
![DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms]()
DSEI 2025: Saab unveils new CUAS missile solution to defeat UAS swarms
The Nimbrix missile has been developed and tested over the last year and is Saab’s latest cost-effective answer to help armed forces counteract escalating numbers of uncrewed aerial threats on the battlefield.
-
![US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK]()
US approves possible C-17 Globemaster III sustainment support sale to UK
The potential sustainment contract will help support the Royal Air Force (RAF) fleet, amid renewed interest from countries in the heavy-lift strategic aircraft.
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
