Macron’s India visit: France to ink MoU for joint production of hammer missiles used in Op Sindoor?

India and France are expected to sign an MoU to set up a joint venture for made‑in‑India HAMMER (AASM) precision‑guided munitions used on Rafale jets, with the proposal likely to be taken up during the 6th India‑France Annual Defence Dialogue on Feb 17 in Bengaluru. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co‑chair the dialogue with France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, with both sides slated to review the full spectrum of defence cooperation and industrial collaboration. The ministers are also expected to witness a virtual inauguration of the Airbus H125 light utility helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal, which PM Modi and President Macron are scheduled to inaugurate.