Safran Group to set up First Defence Electronics Facility in India

Safran Group, the French defence conglomerate, has expressed to India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval its readiness to establish its inaugural Defence Electronics unit in India, signaling the strengthening strategic ties between the two nations.

The individuals, who requested anonymity, stated that during the two-day strategic discussion between Doval and French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic advisor Emmanuel Bonne and his chief military advisor, Fabien Mandon on September 30 and October 1, France agreed to collaborate with India on advanced materials and metallurgy for producing crucial components of military and civilian engines. They mentioned that it is crucial for the Indian industry to have expertise in advanced metallurgy for forging and casting key components of aircraft engines in order for India to adopt high-end technology.

During the conversation, Safran disclosed its intentions to establish a defense electronics complex in India for producing sensors and essential electronic components required for military equipment. HT has been informed that the company has not made a decision yet on where this facility will be located.

Dassault Aviation SA, a French aircraft manufacturer, has obtained land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh to construct a comprehensive maintenance, overhaul, and repair facility for servicing Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft.

France has also agreed to collaborate with India in creating unmanned underwater drones for submarines, as well as assisting in the development of counter-swarm and armed drone technology.