NewsGate Press Network

By Vineet Dikshit

The tested French defence manufacturer Safran will be producing world class targeting systems for artillery guns and naval weapons systems in collaboration with India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking.

According to a release issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday the 22nd of December, the agreement with French private player is for the transfer of production of two high-precision, combat-proven systems.

First is known as SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and other part of agreement is to make CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight which is used for artillery guns and anti-drone systems.

The agreement was signed by Chairman-cum-Managing Director, IOL, Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics and Defense, Alexandre Ziegler in New Delhi on Monday.

The latest agreement is in continuation with an earlier MoU signed in January 2024 to manufacture and support these advanced systems in India.

Under the agreed terms with Defence PSU – IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support, ensuring the systems meet the operational needs of the Indian Army.

By combining IOL’s industrial capabilities in India with Safran Electronics and Defense’s recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the partnership contributes to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the readiness and performance of its land forces.

It may be recalled that French entity Safran is involved with several other collaborations which among others include a joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the co‑production of the HAMMER smart air‑launched weapon.

The world knows what havoc these Hammer weapons had caused during Operation Sindoor at the enemy sites inside Pakistan.