New Delhi: India and France on Friday, July 14, announced they would jointly produce three more submarines and co-develop new engines for next-generation fighters jets and helicopters, a special report by Ajay Banerjee in The Tribune, Chandigarh.says.
These were part of the announcements made in Paris after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Punjab regiment leads Indian contingent
- Nostalgic tune of ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha’ played at the French National Day parade as a contingent of the Indian armed forces joined French troops to march down Champs-Élysées on Friday
- Army contingent was led by Captain Aman Jagtap of Punjab Regiment, along with Rajputana Rifles’ band at Bastille Day Parade
- The Army’s contribution to the contingent is the largest with 77 in marching contingent and 38 members of the band
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence, had on Thursday separately okayed 26 Rafale fighter jets (marine version) along with associated weapons, spares, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French government-based on an inter-governmental agreement.
Key deliverables
- Roadmap on strategic partnership ‘Horizon-2047’
- 5-year short-stay Schengen Visa for Indian degree-holders
- Cooperation in Indo-Pacific, digital technologies & civil aviation
- MoU on civil aviation security, ocean technology & earth sciences
- Joint declaration between ISRO & CNES in field of launchers
- Collaboration in commercial space launch services
The tie-up for the engines will be with Safran for joint development and co-production of next-generation engines for fighter jets and an engine for a 13-tonne helicopter.
“India and France will support joint development of a combat aircraft engine. A roadmap for this project will be prepared by Safran and the DRDO before the end of this year,” an MEA document stated.
Sources said Safran had offered to make a new 110-kilo Newton engine in India. The sixth-generation advanced multi-role combat aircraft will be powered by it. The French offer consists of a new engine with supply chain and manufacturing at an Indian location.
A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, (India is) a strategic partner, a friend. Emmanuel Macron, President of France
The MEA today said “shareholders’ agreement between HAL and Safran has been concluded for engine development”. This is for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter, a 13-tonne copter.
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