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India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has entered into a collaboration agreement with France-based Safran Electronics and Defence for the local production of two high-precision, combat-proven navigation and targeting systems.
Under the agreement, the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight will be manufactured in India. The SIGMA 30N system is used across a range of platforms, including artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars, while the CM3-MR is designed for artillery guns and anti-drone applications.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on Monday by Tushar Tripathi, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of IOL, and Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defence Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics and Defence.
Defence Ministry said the agreement builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 and formally confirms the commitment of both partners to manufacture and support these advanced systems in India. As part of the partnership, IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality assurance and full life-cycle support, ensuring that the systems meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.
By combining IOL’s industrial capabilities with Safran’s expertise in inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the operational readiness and performance of its land forces.
Safran has an expanding footprint in India’s defence sector. Earlier this month, the French defence major entered into a joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to co-produce the Hammer smart air-launched weapon, which has reportedly been used during Operation Sindoor for precision strikes in Pakistan.
The company is also associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for the development of a new thrust engine for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). It is also working with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on helicopter engine programmes.
Through the SAFHAL joint venture with HAL, Safran co-develops engines such as the Shakti/Ardiden for Indian helicopters. In 2024, the partners also began design work on the Aravalli engine for future heavy-lift helicopters.
Other areas of cooperation include the supply of inertial navigation systems for Indian combat aircraft such as the Tejas, MiG-29 and Jaguar, the establishment of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India for military engines, including a new facility for the Rafale’s M88 engine, as well as collaborations in defence electronics and avionics. Several of these initiatives involve the transfer of critical technologies, underscoring the deepening defence industrial partnership between India and France.
Team BharatShakti
