Why? Because the future isn’t about planes alone; it’s about AI, sensors, drones, and data. And India’s not waiting. With France’s FCAS program now open after Germany’s exit, New Delhi sees a rare chance: co-develop next-gen war machines, gain high-tech access, and fix its biggest weakness; engines. France, drowning in debt, needs India’s money and market. It’s a perfect match. No formal deal yet; but Parliament has already recorded it. This isn’t just defense diplomacy. It’s nation-building with cutting-edge tech. And it might change how India fights wars… before it even flies a 5th-gen jet.