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Safran Group to establish defence electronics unit in India to strengthen ties
Industry News- Oct 07,24
The strategic dialogue also included discussions on joint development of unmanned sub-surface, surface, and aerial systems, including underwater drones for submarines.
French defence conglomerate Safran Group plans to establish its first Defence Electronics manufacturing unit outside France, selecting India as the strategic location. This decision was announced following a two-day strategic dialogue between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and top French officials, including Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, and Fabien Mandon, Macron’s chief military advisor. The dialogue, held on September 30 and October 1, highlights the deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to a report by the source, France has also agreed to collaborate with India on advanced materials and metallurgy, essential for manufacturing key components in both military and civilian engines. India aims to enhance its expertise in advanced metallurgy, particularly in forging and casting aircraft engine parts, to fully absorb high-end technology. This collaboration is expected to boost India’s domestic defence and aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Safran outlined its plans to establish a Defence Electronics manufacturing facility in India, focusing on producing sensors and critical electronics components for military platforms. Though the location for the facility is yet to be finalised, Safran’s commitment reflects the growing bond between the defence sectors of India and France. Safran is already involved in several aerospace projects in India, including engine production for the Rafale fighter jets.
French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA is also increasing its presence in India, having acquired land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to build a maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) facility. This hub will service both Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft, further solidifying the long-term Indo-French partnership in the defence and aerospace sectors.
The strategic dialogue also included discussions on joint development of unmanned sub-surface, surface, and aerial systems, including underwater drones for submarines. France will support India in advancing these technologies, including counter-swarm drone systems and armed drones, aimed at boosting India’s unmanned and autonomous military capabilities.
Further expanding defence cooperation, both nations discussed joint military satellite launches and the co-development of stand-off weapons like the Hammer missile, already deployed by the Indian Air Force. These talks also encompassed broader military applications in space and cybersecurity, underscoring the comprehensive scope of Indo-French strategic collaboration.
During NSA Doval’s meeting with President Macron, the two leaders addressed key global security challenges, focusing on the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. They also discussed China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability.
The strategic dialogue between India and France, marked by Safran’s decision to establish a defence electronics unit and ongoing collaborations on advanced military technologies, reflects the strengthening of defence and security ties. As both countries align on critical global issues, particularly in the defence sector, this partnership is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of Indo-French relations.
(Hindustan Times & MSN)
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