France is considering India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system as a potential replacement for its aging M270 rocket systems. A senior French Army officer, Brigadier General Stephane Richou, has confirmed that France will be conducting a detailed evaluation of the Pinaka system, along with other contenders, in the coming weeks. This interest stems from France’s need to modernize its rocket systems, particularly after the transfer of six M270 systems to Ukraine during the ongoing war. The Pinaka, developed indigenously in India, has already been exported to Armenia and has garnered interest from several other countries. The system boasts a range of 38 km and is currently undergoing trials for a guided extended range version with a potential range exceeding 75 km. While the procurement process is still in its initial stages, the French Army’s interest in the Pinaka signifies a growing trend of collaboration between India and France in the defense sector. This collaboration extends beyond the Pinaka, with ongoing negotiations for the purchase of Rafale-M fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines, as well as discussions for the co-development of a jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The French Army’s visit to India for the 20th Army to Army staff talks further underscores the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, characterized by cooperation in various domains including capability development, education, training, and equipment sharing.