Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing Reaffirms Strong and Broad-Based Defence Relationship with France

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing met with French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin at the Hôtel de Brienne, Ministère de la Défense, in Paris, France.

Minister Chan reviewing the Guard of Honour by the French Armed Forces at the Hôtel de Brienne, Ministère de la Défense.

Minister Chan interacting with Singaporeans at a National Day Reception held in Paris.

Minister Chan visited Mistral AI and was shown a demonstration of their robotics capabilities.

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing called on French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin at the Hôtel de Brienne, Ministère de la Défense. Minister Chan expressed appreciation for France’s support for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s training at Cazaux Air Base since 1998. Both sides reaffirmed the strong and broad-based bilateral defence relations, and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation in emerging areas of mutual interest, including artificial intelligence, quantum, cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and protection of critical underwater infrastructure. Both ministers also exchanged views on security priorities and geopolitical developments, and agreed on the importance of upholding international rules and norms.

While in France, Minister Chan had engagements with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and visited French company Mistral AI. He also engaged Singaporeans at the National Day Reception in Paris.

Minister Chan’s visit builds on the Declaration of Intent on Enhanced Defence Cooperation concluded in May 2025, as part of the upgrade of our bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and underscores the strong and broad-based defence relationship between Singapore and France. Both countries conduct frequent professional exchanges, regular high-level interactions, joint military exercises, cross-attendance of courses, and dialogues. These wide-ranging interactions have strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between both countries.