French defence major Safran set to launch its first electronics unit in India

French defence conglomerate Safran Group is planning to set up its first Defence Electronics unit outside France, with India chosen as the strategic location. This development came to light during a two-day strategic dialogue held between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and top French officials, including Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, and Fabien Mandon, Macron’s chief military advisor. This dialogue, which took place on September 30 and October 1, marked another step forward in the deepening defence cooperation between India and France.

Collaboration on Advanced Materials and Metallurgy
In a HT report, sources familiar with the matter revealed that France has also agreed to collaborate with India on advanced materials and metallurgy, which are critical for the manufacturing of key components in both military and civilian engines. Indian industry needs to gain expertise in advanced metallurgy, particularly in the forging and casting of essential aircraft engine parts, to fully absorb the high-end technology that such collaborations entail. This cooperation is seen as pivotal in helping India enhance its domestic manufacturing capabilities in defence and aerospace.

Safran’s Plans for Defence Electronics Manufacturing
During the discussions, Safran expressed its intentions to set up a Defence Electronics manufacturing facility in India. This unit will be focused on producing sensors and vital electronics components essential for supporting various military platforms. While the exact location of this facility is still undecided, Safran’s commitment signals a growing bond in the defence sector between the two countries.

This isn’t Safran’s first collaboration with India; the group has long been involved in various aerospace projects, including engine production for the Rafale fighter jets, which were recently acquired by India’s Air Force.

Dassault Aviation’s Expansion in India
Alongside Safran, French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA is also expanding its footprint in India. Dassault has acquired land in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to establish a full-fledged maintenance, overhaul, and repair (MRO) facility. This new MRO hub will service Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft, further underscoring the long-term partnership between India and France in defence and aerospace sectors.

Joint Development of Unmanned Systems
In addition to the Defence Electronics initiative, the strategic dialogue also covered joint efforts to develop unmanned sub-surface, surface, and aerial systems, which include underwater drones for submarines. France has committed to supporting India in developing these cutting-edge technologies, along with advancements in counter-swarm drone technology and armed drone systems. This joint development effort aims to enhance India’s capability in unmanned and autonomous military platforms.

Cooperation on Military Satellites and Stand-off Weapons
Further expanding on the defence cooperation, the two sides discussed the possibility of joint launches of military satellites and co-developing stand-off weapons, such as the Hammer missile, which has already been deployed by the Indian Air Force. Discussions also covered broader military applications in space and cyber security, highlighting the multi-dimensional scope of Indo-French strategic ties.

Doval-Macron Meeting: Ukraine, Israel-Lebanon Focus
A key highlight of Doval’s visit to France was his hour-long meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. During this meeting, the two leaders discussed critical global security issues, focusing on the ongoing Ukraine war and the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to officials, NSA Doval shared his assessment of the Ukraine war, while French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot briefed the Indian side on the situation in West Asia, specifically Lebanon. Barrot’s insights were particularly valuable as he had just returned from Beirut, where he gathered first-hand information on the ground.

The shared understanding between the two countries is that Israel will likely continue its land operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with the aim of militarily weakening the Shia militant group. Both nations emphasized the need to support a moderate government in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict.

Global Security and Indo-Pacific Tensions
The dialogue also involved frank discussions on broader global security issues, including China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides exchanged views on how to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning China’s military and diplomatic posture. The Indo-Pacific has been a focal point of India’s foreign policy, and France, as a key player in the region, has consistently supported India’s stance on maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring regional stability.

The strategic dialogue between India and France, highlighted by Safran’s decision to establish a Defence Electronics unit in India and the ongoing cooperation on advanced military technologies, underscores the growing defence and security ties between the two nations. With both countries aligning on key global issues, particularly in the defence and security domain, this partnership is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indo-French relations.