India & France Sign MoU For Construction Of Scorpene Submarines; Co-develop Jet Engine

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to France, an agreement was reached between the two countries. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entails the manufacturing of submarines and surface combatants in Mumbai and Kolkata, respectively, for export purposes. This collaboration will provide a significant boost to PM Modi's "Make in India" initiative. Specifically, Mazagon Dockyards will partner with the French Naval Group to jointly develop and produce Scorpene class submarines for a third country. 

Additionally, another MoU was signed between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Naval Group France, a prominent player in the European Naval Defence Industry. This agreement aims to foster collaboration in the field of surface ships, catering to the requirements of both India and international naval forces. 

Furthermore, India and France have decided to expand their defence cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies. They will support the joint development of a combat aircraft engine. A roadmap for this project will be prepared by the end of this year, involving the French company Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Moreover, they have also agreed to facilitate industrial cooperation for the motorisation of heavy-lift helicopters under the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, in partnership with Safran Helicopter Engine. 

Regarding the submarine construction program, an MoU has been signed between Mazagon Dockyard and Naval Group to build three submarines. This follows the successful completion of the first Scorpene submarine construction program (P75 - Kalvari). 

During their meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron adopted the "Horizon 2047: 25th Anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, Towards A Century of India-France Relations" document. Both leaders commended the collaboration between naval companies from both countries, appreciating the exchange of expertise. 

They also expressed satisfaction with the MoU signed between Mazagon Dockyard and Naval Group, which outlines the construction of three additional submarines as part of the P75 program. 

The Scorpene Submarines are highly capable vessels, featuring advanced stealth characteristics. Equipped with long-range guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, these submarines also possess state-of-the-art Sonar and sensor suites, enabling exceptional operational capabilities.