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India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru to Sign Hammer Missile JV MoU, Renew 10-Year Defence Pact

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
17 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:₹3.25 lakh crore10-year agreement6th Dialogue
Bodies:Ministry of DefenceDefence Acquisition Council (DAC)
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What This Article Covers

1.The 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue is scheduled for February 18, 2026, in Bengaluru, co-chaired by Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin.

2.Key outcomes include the likely signing of an MoU for a Joint Venture to manufacture Hammer missiles and renewal of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement for another decade.

3.The dialogue also highlights ongoing military exercises (Shakti, Varuna, Garuda) and the recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership as part of broader strategic engagement.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru is expected to yield a landmark Joint Venture MoU for manufacturing Hammer missiles and renew a 10-year defence cooperation agreement. This meeting, held alongside the French President's visit, underscores deepening strategic ties and industrial collaboration in defence.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Dialogue Number6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue
Venue & DateBengaluru; February 18, 2026
Key Expected DealHammer missile Joint Venture MoU
Defence Pact Renewal10-year defence cooperation agreement
Rafale Deal Cleared114 Rafale fighters at ₹3.25 lakh crore

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Dialogue Number: 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue
  • ›Venue & Date: Bengaluru; February 18, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru (Feb 2026)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri
  • ›Target this Agreement: Renewal of the 10-year India-France Defence Cooperation Agreement

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which recently cleared the Rafale fighter deal, is chaired by which constitutional authority?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue:

1. It is being held in Bengaluru concurrently with the visit of the French President to India.

2. A key expected outcome is the renewal of the bilateral defence cooperation agreement for another 15-year period.

3. The dialogue will also feature the virtual inauguration of the H125 Light Utility Helicopter Final Assembly Line in Kolar.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the sanctioned cost for the 114 Rafale fighter aircraft cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, as per the news article?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

The expected MoU for a Joint Venture to manufacture Hammer missiles during the India-France Defence Dialogue primarily aligns with which major Indian policy initiative?

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