A high-level Indian defence delegation, led by Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems), met with French defense officials at the Paris Air Show, marking a watershed moment in India-France defense collaboration.
The French side was led by Lt Gen Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armaments. This conference marked the official inauguration of India’s Rafale Marine program, a key step toward strengthening its naval strike capabilities.
The Rafale Marine fighter jet, which is specifically intended for aircraft carrier operations, will supplement the Indian Air Force’s current fleet of Rafale jets, increasing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and flexibility in maritime domains.
Simultaneously, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi attended the 12th Key Leader Engagement, which was hosted digitally by US Navy Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler.
Admiral Tripathi presented his vision for “achieving maritime security in the Indo-Pacific through innovation and technology” at a strategic event attended by officials from 19 countries.
He underlined the importance of sophisticated technology, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and secure communications, in guaranteeing the Indian Navy’s robust maritime security and operational superiority.
Admiral Tripathi also discussed the changing character of warfare, emphasizing the continued relevance of non-contact combat, such as drones and loitering weapons, as well as the growing necessity for effective counter-drone systems, which were not a priority a decade ago.
Admiral Tripathi, joined by Chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal, paid a visit to the headquarters of Solar Industries India Ltd in Nagpur, underlining India’s commitment to indigenous military capabilities.
He examined the manufacturing procedures for a variety of defense technologies, including drones, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and the Bhargavastra Counter-UAV System. Admiral Tripathi applauded the private sector’s growth and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in India’s military ecosystem, given the latter’s recent foray into defense production.
The showcase of modern indigenous technologies, including as long-range missiles and counter-drone systems, exemplifies India’s desire for self-reliance and innovation in defense industry.
These developments—formalizing the Rafale Marine program, advancing multilateral maritime security cooperation, and fostering indigenous technological innovation—all highlight India’s strategic focus on improving its naval capabilities and securing its interests in the Indo-Pacific.
