Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Enhances India-France Air Force Collaboration During France Visit
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has completed a three-day visit to France, highlighting the enduring strategic partnership between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force (AAEF).
During his stay, Air Chief Marshal Singh engaged in bilateral discussions with General Jérôme Bellanger at the AAEF Headquarters in Balard. The Chief of the IAF was welcomed with military honours, including a ceremonial Guard of Honour, signifying the strong defence ties between India and France.
The discussions centered on boosting air force cooperation, enhancing operational collaboration, and exploring future military engagement opportunities between the two countries.
As part of his visit, the Air Chief met General Vincent Giraud and addressed officers, including Indian exchange officer cadets, at École de Guerre located at École Militaire in Paris.
His itinerary included a visit to the Mont-de-Marsan Air Combat Centre, a key combat aviation facility in France. Air Chief Marshal Singh also experienced a familiarisation flight on the Airbus A400M Atlas from Orléans Air Base, providing him with insights into French air mobility operations and capabilities.
Beyond military engagements, the IAF Chief met with senior figures from prominent French defence companies, such as Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran, and MBDA. These interactions focused on technological cooperation and capability enhancement, as well as opportunities to further support India's indigenous defence manufacturing through the Make in India initiative.
The visit highlighted the increasing strategic alignment between India and France in the aerospace and defence sectors, reaffirming both nations' commitments to deepening military cooperation, technological partnerships, and interoperability to bolster regional and global security.
