Context:
- India and France have signed a defence production agreement to enable technology transfer and local manufacturing of critical military systems.
- The agreement strengthens defence industrial cooperation and aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights:
Agreement Details
- India Optel Limited (IOL), a state-owned enterprise, will collaborate with Safran Electronics & Defense (France).
- Transfer of production for two high-precision systems:
- SIGMA 30-3D inertial navigation system
- CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight for artillery guns
Direct Firing Sight (CM3-MR)
- Advanced fire-control system used in artillery guns.
- Enhances accuracy, targeting, and engagement capability.
- Supports anti-drone operations and improves artillery effectiveness.
SIGMA 30-3D Inertial Navigation System
- Provides precise navigation and positioning.
- Enables autonomous engagement capability, even in GPS-denied environments.
- Critical for modern battlefield scenarios involving electronic warfare and GPS jamming.
Manufacturing & Timeline
- Local manufacturing in India to begin following the agreement.
- Agreement signed by India Optel CMD Tushar Tripathi and Safran Defence Global Business Head Alexandre Ziegler.
- Production expected to start by early 2024.
Strategic Significance
- Builds upon earlier India–France defence cooperation, including HAMMER smart precision-guided munitions.
- Enhances self-reliance in defence technology.
- Strengthens India’s artillery and navigation capabilities.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Dependence on foreign defence equipment and vulnerability to GPS denial.
- Causes:
- Modern warfare demands precision and autonomous systems
- Rising electronic warfare threats
- Government Initiatives:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Defence Sector)
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)
- Technology Transfer (ToT) frameworks
- Benefits:
- Indigenous production of critical defence systems
- Reduced import dependence
- Enhanced combat readiness
- Challenges:
- Absorption of advanced technology
- Quality control and lifecycle support
- Impact:
- Boost to defence manufacturing ecosystem
- Improved operational capability of Indian Armed Forces
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- SIGMA systems used globally for inertial navigation.
- CM3-MR enhances artillery accuracy and anti-drone response.
- Keywords: Defence indigenisation, GPS-denied warfare, inertial navigation, ToT.
- Static & Conceptual Linkages:
- Defence preparedness
- Strategic partnerships
- Military modernisation
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen domestic R&D alongside ToT
- Ensure long-term maintenance and upgrade capabilities
- Expand similar collaborations to other critical defence technologies
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II: International relations – strategic partnership with France
- GS III: Defence technology, indigenisation, internal security
- GS IV: Ethics – national security and self-reliance in critical sectors