France offers full ToT for AMCA engine, underwater drones, and nuclear sub support to India
- In Reports
- 04:48 PM, Sep 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
In order to strengthen its ties with India and to further boost India’s defence capability, France has indicated its willingness to assist India in building nuclear attack submarines and has offered full transfer of technology (ToT) for underwater drones and 110 kilo-newton thrust aircraft engines. The upcoming strategic dialogue between French President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic advisor, Emmanuel Bonne, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is expected to focus heavily on these developments. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Paris.
This strategic discussion takes place at a pivotal moment in India's naval development, as the Indian Navy is reportedly approaching the government about the necessity of nuclear attack submarines. This initiative could significantly improve India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. France has offered to support this endeavour in addition to providing full-spectrum autonomous systems for the air, surface, and underwater domains.
An additional important topic of discussion will be the possible partnership on aircraft engines. In order to support India's upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, Safran, a French company with a history of working with ISRO, has offered to co-design, develop, certify, and produce 110 KN engines. This offer guarantees Indian ownership of the jointly developed engine along with unrestricted export freedom and includes 100% ToT, even for the crucial hot engine sections.
It is believed that India's strategic autonomy depends on the strategic defence partnership between France and India being strengthened. The two countries already cooperate in several defence-related domains, such as the joint building of diesel attack submarines of the Kalvari class and the possible purchase of Rafale-Maritime fighters for India's aircraft carriers.
Beyond defence, a wide range of topics of mutual interest are anticipated to be covered in the dialogue, including strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the Indian Ocean. There will be a discussion of the situation in Bangladesh, the elections in Sri Lanka, the conflict in the Middle East, and Houthi's targeting of commercial ships in the Red Sea. France's all-encompassing assistance for India's defence goals, which includes vital technologies and strategic collaboration, demonstrates the growing mutual trust and congruence between the two countries. It also highlights France's determination to assist India in becoming a dominant force in the Indo-Pacific area.
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