PM’S TALKS WITH MACRON
By Girish Linganna
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a visit to France on July 13 and 14, where he will hold the distinguished position of being the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade. Accompanying him will be a delegation of eminent CEOs from various industries.
Insider information obtained from sources suggests that one of the trip’s noteworthy highlights could be the announcement of complete technology transfer for the Shakti engine, which serves as the power source for India’s advanced light helicopters (ALHs). Currently, these engines are manufactured exclusively by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. If a comprehensive technology transfer agreement is achieved, it will have the potential to generate profound advantages for the Indian industrial sector.
During Modi’s visit to Paris, key discussions will revolve round the complete transfer of technology for helicopter engines, procurement of fighter jets for the Indian Navy and potential expansion of the Scorpene submarine manufacturing line in India.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are poised to reveal a comprehensive bilateral plan for the Indo-Pacific, delineating precise strategies to uphold maritime security and safeguard the principle of unhindered navigation in a region that has become a focal point of contention due to the unstinted aggression of China.
Bastille Day, observed on July 14, commemorates the historic storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which symbolized the beginning of the French Revolution. It serves as a powerful reminder of the struggle for liberty, equality and fraternity. The celebration showcases grand military parades, vibrant cultural events and mesmerizing fireworks, uniting the French nation in remembrance and joyous festivity.
India, driven by its pursuit of self-reliance in the realm of rotary-wing aircraft, has been actively seeking to procure advanced helicopter engine technology. While the nation has successfully achieved domestic production of smaller helicopters, the ongoing development of the Indian multi-role helicopter programme holds the promise of further diminishing the need for imports. This resolute endeavour underscores India’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its indigenous capabilities in the aerospace industry.
India is actively considering the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M combat aircraft, which have been offered by France. The final approval for entering into an inter-government agreement (IGA) to procure these fighter jets is expected to be granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) before Modi’s visit.
The aircraft that India plans to acquire is a single-seater version, implying that pilots of the Indian Navy will need to undergo training in France, besides with advanced simulators in Goa. While the French Navy uses twin-seater Rafale-M aircraft on their carrier, Indian Navy pilots will operate the single-seater versions, resulting in a decrease in armament carrying capacity. The proposal is to deploy one squadron of 18 fighters on the INS Vikrant, while the remaining eight will be stationed in Goa as reserves for rotation.
Sources say the DAC may approve the deal as an off-the-shelf purchase in order to fulfil the Navy’s demands. The Navy currently possesses two operational aircraft carriers, but lacks a sufficient number of fighter jets to meet their needs. A pre-existing IGA framework is in place for the purchase of the fighter aircraft, similar to the Air Force’s previous acquisition of 36 Rafales through the same channel.
The DAC is anticipated to deliberate on the Navy’s submarine requirements during its meeting. There are indications that the council will review a proposal put forth by the Mazgaon Dockyards Limited (MDL) to construct three additional submarines of the Scorpene-class (Kalveri), originally of French origin. Given that Indian Navy’s fleet of Russian-origin submarines is nearing the end of their operational lifespan, India has been actively exploring avenues to strengthen its naval capabilities.
The forthcoming trio of submarines will be outfitted with cutting-edge air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and verified by the French Naval Group. This advanced system ensures prolonged underwater operation without the need for resurfacing to recharge the batteries.
At MDL, India has successfully constructed five Scorpene-class submarines, with the commissioning of a sixth submarine, the INS Vagsheer, scheduled for the beginning of the coming year. As seven kilo-class submarines of Russian origin are nearing their retirement, the proposition to expand the Scorpene line is gaining significant traction.
The Navy is currently pursuing the acquisition of new submarines as part of Project 75I. However, the progress of the project is being hindered by delays—primarily due to the challenges faced by foreign technology providers in meeting the specified requirements. (IPA Service)
(The author is a Defence, Aerospace & Political analyst)
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