In a significant boost to India-France defence cooperation, French defence conglomerate Safran Group has expressed its willingness to set up its first Defence Electronics unit outside France in India. The decision, conveyed to India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval during a strategic dialogue in France, underscores the deepening relationship between the two nations, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The dialogue, held from September 30 to October 1, saw discussions between Doval and French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne, along with Chief Military Advisor Fabien Mandon. Both sides agreed to collaborate on advanced materials and metallurgy essential technologies for manufacturing critical components of both military and civilian engines.
Sources emphasized that India’s capacity to absorb high-end technology will depend on mastering advanced metallurgy, crucial for forging and casting key aircraft engine parts.
Safran’s planned defence electronics facility in India is expected to manufacture sensors and critical electronic components for military platforms. Although the location of this facility is yet to be determined, it marks a major step forward in France’s commitment to supporting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
In addition, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA has already acquired land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to build a maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) facility for Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft, further strengthening India’s aviation sector.
The dialogue also focused on co-developing cutting-edge defence technologies. France has agreed to jointly develop unmanned sub-surface, surface, and aerial systems with India, including underwater drones for submarines and counter-swarm drone technologies. Discussions also covered co-development of stand-off weapons like the Hammer missile, as well as military space applications and satellite launches.
A key moment of Doval’s visit was his hour-long meeting with President Macron. The conversation revolved around key global security issues, including the Ukraine conflict and the evolving situation in West Asia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot provided insights on Lebanon, following his visit to Beirut, with both nations agreeing that Israel would likely intensify its operations against Hezbollah while supporting a moderate government in Lebanon.
The dialogue also touched on broader strategic concerns, including China’s growing posture in the Indo-Pacific region, with both sides exchanging candid assessments on the global security environment.
This latest development marks a new phase in India-France defence ties, with strategic collaborations across key areas of defence technology, metallurgy, and aerospace engineering.
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