France and India officially seek to strengthen military ties, as Safran Group will open its first defence electronics unit outside France in India.
French defence conglomerate Safran Group is set to establish its first defence electronics unit outside France, selecting India as the strategic site.
This announcement emerged during a two-day strategic dialogue last week between India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and senior French officials, including Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, and Fabien Mandon, Macron’s chief military advisor. The discussions took place on September 30 and October 1.
The defence electronics manufacturing facility will focus on sensors and critical electronics for military platforms. Although the exact location is yet to be determined, this commitment highlights the strengthening defence relationship between India and France. Safran is not new to India, having previously collaborated on aerospace projects, including engine production for the Rafale fighter jets recently acquired by the Indian Air Force.
The deal is a part of a larger collaboration, where France will collaborate with India on advanced materials and metallurgy for military and civilian engines, enhancing India’s expertise in aircraft engine parts and boosting domestic manufacturing in defence and aerospace.
Moreover, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA is expanding in India by acquiring land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to establish a maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) facility. This new hub will service Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft, further strengthening the long-term partnership between the two countries.
The dialogue also addressed collaboration on developing unmanned systems, including underwater drones for submarines. France will support India in advancing counter-swarm drone technology and armed drone systems.
The two sides further discussed expanding defence cooperation through joint launches of military satellites and co-developing stand-off weapons like the Hammer missile, already used by the Indian Air Force. The talks also addressed broader military applications in space and cybersecurity, emphasising the multi-dimensional nature of Indo-French strategic relations.
During NSA Doval’s visit to France, he met with President Macron to discuss global security issues, including the hostile situation in the Middle East. The talks also touched on China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, with France backing India’s stance on freedom of navigation. Additionally, the dialogue highlighted strengthening defence ties, notably with Safran’s decision to establish the manufacturing unit in India.
