NEW DELHI: India’s oldest strategic partnership with France expanded further on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build three additional Scorpene submarines at Mazagon Docks in Mumbai. The partnership also includes the co-development of advanced military technologies such as fighter jet engines. However, the proposed deal for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters was not mentioned in the joint documents and statements released after the Modi-Macron summit. The defence ministry had approved both the acquisitions for Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines, estimated to be worth Rs 80,000 crore (approximately 9 billion euros), on Thursday.
The Horizon 2047 document states that India and France will now extend their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of combat aircraft engines. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and French major Safran will prepare a roadmap for this project by the end of the year. While the US has agreed to a transfer of technology (ToT) of 80% for the joint production of the GE-414 jet engine for the indigenous Tejas Mark-2 fighters, France is offering 100% ToT for a more powerful engine.
The offer includes the joint design, development, testing, qualification, certification, and production of a 110 Kilonewton engine in collaboration with French major Safran for the Indian fifth-generation stealth fighter called AMCA (advanced medium combat aircraft). The two countries also supported industrial cooperation for the “motorization of heavy-lift helicopters” under the Indian multi-role helicopter programme with Safran Helicopter Engine France.
In addition to the advanced military technologies, the MoU signed between Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks and M/s Naval Group, France, includes the construction of three more Scorpene submarines. These submarines will follow the six submarines already produced at Mazagon Docks in collaboration with the French Naval Group, which were worth over Rs 23,000 crore. The joint statement highlighted that India and France are ready to explore projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and its performance.
Summary:
★India and France have signed an MoU to build three additional Scorpene submarines and co-develop advanced military technologies.
★The proposed deal for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters was not mentioned in the joint documents and statements.
★The defence ministry has approved both the acquisitions for Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines.
★India and France will extend their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies and combat aircraft engines.
★France is offering 100% transfer of technology for a more powerful engine for the Indian fifth-generation stealth fighter.
★The MoU also includes the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian multi-role helicopter programme.
★Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks will collaborate with M/s Naval Group, France, for the construction of the three additional Scorpene submarines.
Follow DelhiBreakings on Google News
Superfast News Coverage by DelhiBreakings.com team.
For Superfast national news and Delhi Breaking Stories visit us daily at https://delhibreakings.com
