Finance
Following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, India and France announced a slew of “ground-breaking” defense cooperation projects, including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines and the construction of three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
In addition to new engines for next-generation fighter planes and helicopters, India and France plan to co-produce three additional submarines.
While the Scorpene submarines will be created at Mumbai’s Mazagon Docks, the engines will be developed in collaboration with Safran for collaborative development and co-production of next-generation engines for fighter planes and a 13-tonne helicopter engine.
“India and France will support joint development of a combat aircraft engine. A roadmap for this project (Defense Cooperation) will be prepared by Safran and the DRDO before the end of this year,” an MEA document said.
Safran, according to sources, promised to build a new 110-kilo Newton engine in India. It will power the sixth-generation advanced multi-role combat aircraft. The French proposal comprises of a new engine with supply chain and manufacture in India.
HAL and Safran have reached a shareholder agreement for engine development. This is for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter, a 13-tonne copter, according to the official.
Previously, on July 13, 2023, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved three proposals.
Based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), the DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to the French Government for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, as well as associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training, and logistic support for the Indian Navy.
According to the defense ministry, the price and other terms of purchase would be negotiated with the French government after considering all relevant factors, including the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.
Following talks, the contract agreements will include the integration of Indian-designed equipment and the development of a Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) Hub for diverse systems.
The DAC also approved the purchase of three additional Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category, which would be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
Additional submarines with a higher indigenous content would not only help the Indian Navy maintain the requisite force level and operational readiness, but will also offer major employment possibilities in the domestic industry.
It will also assist the MDL improve its competence and knowledge in submarine construction, according to a defence ministry official.
Source:IANS
