French aerospace and defense giant Safran is set to establish its first electronics production unit in India. The move aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, which seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports in key sectors like defense. The planned unit will focus on producing advanced electronics systems, including those used in avionics and military aircraft. Safran's decision to invest in India is a testament to the nation's growing global defence manufacturing hub role. The new facility is expected to cater not only to the Indian Armed Forces but also serve as a regional supply center for Safran’s global customers.

Emmanuel Bonne, the chief military advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval agreed to collaborate on advanced materials and metallurgy, which are essential for producing vital components of both military and civilian engines, throughout a two-day strategic discussion on September 30 and October 1. For India to adopt sophisticated technology, its industry must possess expertise in advanced metallurgy, specifically in the forging and casting crucial aircraft engine components.

The facility, which will be established through Safran's Indian subsidiary, aims to produce high-tech avionics, communication, and sensor systems. According to sources familiar with the matter, Safran is investing around $150 million into the project. The unit will be operational by 2026 and located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bengaluru, the heart of India's aerospace and defence industry.

In order to handle Rafale fighters and civilian aircraft, the French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation SA has already purchased property in Jevar, Uttar Pradesh, to construct a comprehensive maintenance, overhaul, and repair facility.  In addition to helping India develop armed and counter-swarm drone technologies, France has agreed to work with India to create unmanned sub-surface, surface, and aerial systems as well as underwater drones for submarines.

Safran’s establishment of its first electronics unit in India marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward defence self-reliance. As India continues to attract major international players in the sector, this move is expected to catalyze further investments and partnerships, boosting the nation's defence manufacturing ecosystem.