Pm Narendra Modi France Visit: DefTech high on agenda as PM Narendra Modi embarks on France trip

Full know-how switch for helicopter engines, acquisition of fighter jets for Indian Navy and the potential for extending Scorpene submarine manufacturing line in India will likely be on the agenda throughout Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming go to to Paris.

The PM will go to France on July 13 and 14 and is the visitor of honour on the Bastille Day Parade. He will likely be accompanied by a enterprise delegation of prime CEOs.

Sources advised ET that the announcement of 100% know-how switch for the Shakti engine that powers the Indian superior mild helicopters (ALH) might be a spotlight of the journey. The engines are at the moment being made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. A full know-how switch would result in far-reaching advantages for Indian trade.

India has been seeking to purchase helicopter engine know-how because it has launched into a self-dependence mission for rotary-wing plane. Whereas smaller helicopters are being made domestically, the under-development Indian multi-role helicopter programme will additional cut back imports.

India can be seeking to purchase 26 of the Rafale M fight plane that France has supplied. The choice to go forward with an inter-governmental settlement (IGA) to accumulate the fighter jets is more likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council earlier than the go to. Sources mentioned DAC may clear the deal as an off-the-shelf buy to satisfy the necessities of the Navy that has two operational plane carriers however not enough fighter jets. An IGA mannequin to buy the fighters already exists, because the Air Pressure order for 36 Rafales adopted the identical route.

DAC can be more likely to focus on the Navy requirement of submarines. It is anticipated to contemplate a proposal from Mazgaon Dockyards to construct extra three French-origin Scorpene class submarines. India has been in search of methods to reinforce its fleet as Russian-origin submarines are being retired after reaching the tip of their service life.India has constructed 5 Scorpene-class submarines at MDL, with a sixth to be commissioned early subsequent 12 months. Provided that seven Russian-origin Kilo-class submarines are due for retirement, the case for extending the Scorpene line is gaining energy.The Navy can be pursuing a case for brand new submarines beneath Mission 75I, however it’s dealing with delays as international know-how suppliers are discovering it tough to satisfy necessities.