Aeronautics
A Strategic Sector at the Heart of Industrial Sovereignty, Innovation, and France–India Cooperation
A Global Industrial Pillar Undergoing Profound Restructuring
Aerospace is one of the most complex and strategic industrial sectors worldwide. It relies on long, highly integrated value chains encompassing design, engineering, production, certification, maintenance, and high value-added services.
Beyond civil aviation, aerospace underpins many critical domains: defence, space, dual-use technologies, advanced materials, embedded systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the energy transition.
In a context marked by shifting geopolitical balances, pressure on supply chains, and the imperative of decarbonisation, the sector is entering a new strategic phase in which targeted international cooperation is becoming a key factor for resilience and competitiveness.
Vision 2025–2030: Transformation, Sustainability, and Sovereignty
Between 2025 and 2030, global aerospace will be shaped around several major pillars:
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Decarbonisation of air transport, through fleet optimisation, sustainable aviation fuels, hybrid solutions, and hydrogen in the longer term;
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Industrial transformation, with automation, digitalisation of production chains, and integration of AI in design and maintenance;
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Securing supply chains, which has become a strategic priority following recent crises;
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Upskilling industrial ecosystems, particularly in high-growth countries;
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Strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, to pool investment, expertise, and industrial capabilities.
This period marks a shift from a model of linear growth to one of systemic transformation of the sector.
France-India Analysis
France: Industrial Excellence and Technological Leadership
France is one of the historical and current pillars of global aerospace. Its ecosystem is characterised by:
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full mastery of the aerospace value chain,
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recognised capabilities in design, certification, and integration of complex systems,
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world-class industrial and technological clusters,
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strong links between civil aviation, defence, research, and innovation.
France plays a central role in major international aerospace programmes and has unique expertise in industrial structuring, standards, and quality.
India: Market Growth and Rising Industrial Capabilities
India is now one of the most dynamic aerospace markets in the world. It stands out for:
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sustained growth in civil air traffic,
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a clear ambition to develop a national aerospace industrial base,
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significant capabilities in engineering, maintenance, component manufacturing, and services,
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a clear strategy for technological and industrial upgrading.
India is gradually establishing itself as a key player in industrial deployment, large-scale engineering, and the sector’s long-term growth.
+1400 billion
USD: Estimated value of the global aerospace market by 2030
+40 000
Aircraft: estimated global needs for fleet renewal and expansion over the next few decades
Expected long-term growth in air traffic in India
Top 3
France's position among aeronautical powers
Common strategic challenges
France–India aerospace cooperation addresses several major challenges:
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industrial and technological sovereignty,
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decarbonisation and environmental transition,
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security and reliability of industrial supply chains,
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skills transfer and upskilling,
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market access and development of sustainable industrial capabilities.
These challenges go beyond a purely commercial relationship and are part of a long-term strategic partnership approach.
A France–India Aerospace Corridor to Be Structured
The France–India corridor offers significant potential for:
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industrial co-development,
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production and assembly of components,
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maintenance, training, and services,
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technological innovation and applied R&D,
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integration of sustainable and digital solutions.
Structuring this corridor requires a deep understanding of the institutional, industrial, and regulatory frameworks of both countries, as well as continuous dialogue between public and private stakeholders.
FIBC Perspective and Positioning
The platform offers a strategic and structured perspective on the France–India aerospace sector by:
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facilitating exchanges between industrial players, equipment manufacturers, institutions, and technology ecosystems,
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promoting the industrial expertise and capabilities of both countries,
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supporting understanding of strategic and industrial priorities,
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contributing to the identification of cooperation opportunities and sustainable partnerships.
This approach aims to establish aerospace as a central pillar of the France–India economic relationship, built on innovation, industrial sovereignty, and long-term value creation.
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