India Optel, Safran Sign Pact for Advanced Defence Systems Production

India Optel Limited has signed a key collaboration agreement with France’s Safran Electronics & Defense to enable local manufacturing of two high-precision, combat-proven defence systems. The move marks another step in strengthening India’s defence industrial base through technology transfer and indigenous production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.

Details of the Collaboration Agreement

The agreement was signed between India Optel Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense for the transfer of production of the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production). The pact builds on an internal agreement concluded between the two sides in January 2024.

Systems Covered Under the Agreement

The SIGMA 30N system is used across artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars. It is designed to enable precise navigation and targeting in contested environments, including scenarios where GPS signals are unavailable. The CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight is intended to enhance the effectiveness of artillery guns and anti-drone systems by improving direct-fire accuracy and operational response.

Role of India Optel Limited

Under the partnership, India Optel Limited, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, will handle manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support of the systems. According to the Defence Ministry, this arrangement will ensure that the equipment meets the operational requirements of the Indian Army while strengthening domestic production capabilities in advanced defence electronics.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India Optel Limited is a defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence.
• SIGMA 30N is an inertial navigation system that functions without GPS.
• CM3-MR is a direct firing sight for artillery and anti-drone systems.
• The agreement involves technology transfer and local manufacturing.

Strategic Significance for Defence Manufacturing

Safran has highlighted that the SIGMA 30 series enables autonomous engagement capability by accurately determining the location of enemy batteries immediately after detecting hostile fire. The agreement follows a recent joint venture between Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited for producing HAMMER precision-guided munitions in India, signalling deepening Indo-French cooperation in defence manufacturing. Together, these developments reflect India’s push to localise production of critical combat systems while reducing reliance on imports and enhancing operational readiness.