Paris : India and France have jointly announced their plans to develop a combat aircraft engine and an engine for the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). The agreement was reached during bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, as they outlined a roadmap for their relationship until 2047.
According to the statement provided by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the two countries will expand their defense cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies by collaborating on the development of a combat aircraft engine. Additionally, they will facilitate industrial cooperation for the motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the IMRH program, with Safran Helicopter Engine from France. To progress with the IMRH program, a Shareholders' Agreement has been finalized between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India and Safran Helicopter Engine in France for engine development.
The statement emphasized that these joint ventures exemplify the trust between India and France in sharing and jointly developing critical components and technology building blocks. They build upon the successful technology transfer experiences between the two countries.
A roadmap for the project will be prepared by Safran and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) by the end of the year. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of defense cooperation in Indo-French relations, emphasizing France's role as an important partner in India's Make in India and self-reliance initiatives. The leaders also discussed the possibility of co-development, co-production, and export of defense equipment to third countries.
The statement further mentioned a defense industrial partnership, including the ongoing technology transfer between Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL for the "forging and castings" of the Shakti engine. This demonstrates France's commitment to supporting technology transfer and Make in India.
The announcement coincided with India's Defense Acquisition Council granting in-principle approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters for India's aircraft carriers and three additional Scorpene-class submarines from France.