Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wraps Up Visit To France, Italy With A Tour To Safran's Jet Engine R&D Facility

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited French jet-engine maker Safran's manufacturing facility before concluding his visit to France and Italy.

Singh went on a multi-day visit to France and Italy from 9-12 October. During his trip, he met with the defence ministers of Italy and France, as well as the chief executive officers (CEOs) of various Italian and French defence companies.

He had meetings with several French defence company CEOs, including Dassault CEO Eric Trappier, who was in India from (9-10 October) for price negotiations regarding the purchase of 26 Rafale-M jets for the Indian Navy.

Singh also had discussions with Safran CEO Olivier Andries, during which he emphasised the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including the potential for exporting to third countries.

Notably, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France in July, India and France signed an agreement to begin co-development of a future high-thrust jet engine for India's advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) MK-2, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Safran is working with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to develop a next-generation turboshaft engine for the Indian multi-role helicopter and the deck-based multi-role helicopter, as well.

The Defence Minister also held the 5th annual defence dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu.

He said, "India offers exciting opportunities for co-development and co-production and the complementary capacities of Indian and Italian defence industries could be optimised in a win-win situation."

Singh also explained the steps India has taken to improve the ease of doing business in the country, including the creation of two defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Furthermore, the Defence Minister urged Italian industry leaders to strengthen the supply chain linkages with Indian defence manufacturers and develop closer ties with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.