India Optel Limited (IOL) has formalised a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defence to enable the domestic production of two advanced defence systems, the Ministry of Defence announced on Monday.
The ministry stated that the move represents a key achievement under the Make-in-India initiative, which aims to enhance self-reliance and provide long-term operational support to the Indian Army.
The ministry said the agreement enables the transfer of production of two combat-proven precision systems, allowing India to manufacture them domestically and cut reliance on overseas suppliers.
The systems covered under the agreement include the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight.
The armed forces deploy the SIGMA 30N across artillery platforms, air defence systems, missiles and radars to deliver accurate navigation and positioning.
Engineers designed the CM3-MR sight to support artillery guns and anti-drone operations by improving targeting accuracy.
The Ministry of Defence noted that the collaboration builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two companies in January 2024. The latest agreement formally confirms the intention of both partners to manufacture and sustain these sophisticated systems in India.
Officials said the development would ensure the consistent availability of critical defence equipment while strengthening domestic industrial capability.
Manufacturing and Life-Cycle Support by IOL
Under the terms of the partnership, India Optel Limited will oversee manufacturing, final integration, testing, quality assurance and complete life-cycle support of the systems. In doing so, the company will ensure that all equipment meets the operational standards and requirements of the Indian Army.
Meanwhile, the collaboration brings together IOL’s manufacturing expertise and industrial infrastructure in India with Safran’s specialised capabilities in inertial navigation and fire-control technologies.
Accordingly, the ministry said the agreement will strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and simultaneously enhance the preparedness and performance of the Army’s land-based platforms.
Overall, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote indigenous defence production, while also encouraging technology transfer and building sustainable long-term capabilities under the Make-in-India framework.
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