Safran, a French multinational company specialising in aerospace and defense technologies, has indicated its interest in setting up a defence electronics manufacturing facility in India.
The development comes after the recent visit of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to Paris where he met President Emmanuel Macron, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and Director General of the French Defence Procurement Agency Emmanuel Chiva among others.
The discussions were focused on France's defence planning and procurement systems; defence collaboration; and opportunities for Indian-French startups and tech in future defence technologies and innovation.
France agreed to work with New Delhi on advanced materials and metallurgy, which is important in the development of various weapon systems by providing materials that are strong but lightweight, such as titanium alloys and nickel-based superalloys.
According to media reports, during discussions, Safran indicated that it is interested in building a defence electronics manufacturing facility in India, focused on the production of sensors and vital electronics components important for supporting various military platforms.
Safran already has a considerable presence in India. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has a joint venture with Safran Helicopter Engines for design, development, certification, production, sale, and support of helicopter engines.
Last year, Safran Aircraft Engines Services India, a subsidiary of Safran, signed a land lease agreement with GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ, a subsidiary of GMR Hyderabad International Airport, for an MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) centre.