India and France have reached an agreement to manufacture three Scorpene submarines.

India and France have further strengthened their strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build three more Scorpene submarines at Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks. The two countries have also agreed to co-develop advanced military technologies, such as fighter jet engines. However, there was no mention of the proposed deal for 26 Rafale-Marine fighters in the joint documents and statements released after the Modi-Macron summit. The acquisitions for Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines, worth an estimated Rs 80,000 crore (almost 9 billion euros), were cleared by the defence ministry on Thursday.

The Horizon 2047 document stated that India and France will extend their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by supporting the joint development of a combat aircraft engine. 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% in the joint production of the GE-414 jet engine, France is offering 100% ToT for a more powerful engine. 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 military technologies, the MoU between Mazagon Docks and French company Naval Group will lead to the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines. These submarines will follow the first six produced at Mazagon Docks in collaboration with the French Naval Group. The statement released after the summit mentioned that India and France are ready to explore projects to develop the Indian submarine fleet and enhance its performance.