In a significant development during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France, the governments of New Delhi and Paris have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement entails the construction of three Scorpene submarines, aiming to enhance the naval capabilities of both nations. This collaboration will further support PM Modi's visionary "Make in India" initiative. Notably, Mazagon Dockyards Limited, in association with the French Naval Group, will jointly undertake the development and manufacturing of these submarines in Mumbai and Kolkata, respectively. The primary objective is to cater to the export demands of a third country.
Furthermore, an additional MoU has been signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) and Naval Group France, a prominent player in the European Naval Defence Industry. This agreement seeks to foster collaboration in the domain of surface ships, addressing the requirements of both the Indian and international naval forces.
In a remarkable display of strengthening defence cooperation, India and France have also decided to extend their partnership in advanced aeronautical technologies. They aim to jointly develop a combat aircraft engine. The French company Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will prepare a roadmap for this ambitious project before the end of this year. The two nations have also expressed their commitment to support industrial cooperation for the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters, as part of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter [IMRH] program, in collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engine.
The signing of the MoU between Mazgon Dockyard Ltd and Naval Group for the construction of three submarines comes after the successful completion of the first Scorpene submarine construction program (P75 – Kalvari). This milestone further solidifies the strategic partnership between India and France.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have jointly embraced the "Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations" initiative. Both leaders commended the collaborative efforts of naval companies from both nations in sharing their expertise and knowledge.
The Scorpene Submarines are renowned for their exceptional prowess, featuring advanced stealth capabilities and a wide array of armaments, including long-range guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. These submarines boast state-of-the-art SONAR and sensor suites, enabling unparalleled operational capabilities.
India-France Joint Statement: Setting Up technical office of DRDO at Paris embassy
