Partnership Marks a Major Boost to Make-in-India and Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
India Optel Ltd (IOL)-Safran MoU signing ceremony.
IOL-Safran Electronics & Defense MoU: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for the transfer of production of two advanced, combat-proven defence systems. The agreement reinforces the Make-in-India vision of the Indian Government and marks a key milestone in enhancing self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
The collaboration enables the local manufacturing of two high-precision systems: the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, widely used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, designed for artillery guns and anti-drone systems. Both systems have a proven track record in combat environments and are integral to modern land warfare capabilities.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi on December 22, 2025, by Tushar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of India Optel Limited, and Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defence Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. The signing took place in the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Government of India.
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Strengthening Indigenous Capabilities
Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies in January 2024, the new agreement formalises the commitment to manufacture and support these advanced systems within India. Under the partnership, Indian Optel Limited will undertake manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality assurance, and full life-cycle support of the systems to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.
The collaboration brings together IOL’s established industrial infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities in India with Safran Electronics & Defense’s global expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies. This synergy is expected to significantly enhance the performance, readiness, and operational effectiveness of India’s land forces.
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Boost to Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem
The agreement is also expected to strengthen India’s broader defence manufacturing ecosystem by promoting technology transfer, skill development, and domestic production of sophisticated defence equipment. By reducing dependence on imports and ensuring long-term sustainment through local support, the partnership aligns with the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
Officials noted that the collaboration not only supports the modernisation of the Indian Army but also positions Indian industry as a capable partner in the global defence supply chain. The initiative underscores the government’s continued focus on fostering strategic partnerships that combine global expertise with indigenous manufacturing strength.
With this agreement, India Optel Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense have taken a decisive step towards advancing India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies, reinforcing national security, and supporting the long-term vision of a robust and resilient defence industrial base.
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