Safran to Establish First Defence Electronics Facility in India

By siliconindia  |  Thursday, 03 October 2024, 10:08:45 AM IST

Safran

Safran Group, a prominent player in the French defence sector, has announced its intention to establish its inaugural defence electronics facility in India, focusing on the production of sensors and essential electronic components for military applications.

During a recent strategic dialogue held from September 30 to October 1, India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, met with French President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne, and military advisor, Fabien Mandon. Safran's proposal to set up its first defence electronics unit outside France in India underscores the strengthening strategic ties between the two nations.

Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that France has expressed its commitment to collaborate with India on advanced materials and metallurgy, which are crucial for producing key components in both military and civilian engines. Acquiring expertise in advanced metallurgy is vital for India to effectively integrate high-end technologies in aircraft engine manufacturing.

Safran’s new facility aims to produce essential electronics for military platforms, though the specific location for the site has yet to be determined. Additionally, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation has secured land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to create a comprehensive maintenance, overhaul, and repair facility for Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft.

The discussions also encompassed collaborative efforts in developing unmanned systems, including underwater drones and counter-swarm drone technologies. Both nations explored sensitive security topics, ranging from cybersecurity to military applications in space, which included plans for joint military satellite launches and the co-development of advanced munitions like the Hammer missile.

A key highlight of Doval’s visit was his hour-long meeting with President Macron, where the ongoing conflicts were the central to their discussions. Doval provided insights into the situation in Ukraine, while French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot shared his observations on West Asia after a visit to Beirut. Both sides agreed that Israel is likely to maintain its military operations, aiming to supporting a stable government in the region.

Additionally, the two nations exchanged candid views on the evolving global security landscape, including China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

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