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Paris, 12th Oct. 2023: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris, France during the second and final leg of his two-nation tour. During his visit to the Centre, he witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology. Olivier Andries, Global CEO Safran welcomed the Def Min to the facility and, along with his team, gave a detailed briefing to him. Safran expressed interest in being a part of the Indian growth story by working with its counterparts on mutually agreed joint projects. He also met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India. Eric Trappier, CEO Dassault, Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO Naval Group, Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus and Olivier Andries, CEO Safran Group were present during the interaction. Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including possibilities of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture. Later in the day, The Def Min also holded the 5th Annual Defence Dialogue with the French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu. The Def Min reached Paris late on October 10 and interacted with the Indian community. While addressing the sizeable Indian community at the India House, he highlighted the various achievements of India in the defence sector such as increased defence exports, increasing indigenous production of defence equipment, concerted efforts on co-development and co-production in India and an enhanced outreach in the region. The Raksha Mantri spoke about the tremendous progress achieved in India in the last nine years, an assessment which was heartily supported by the Indian community.

New Delhi, 4th Oct 2023: Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt said that the LCA Tejas symbolizes India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. This programme has been a shining example of commitment to reduce country’s dependency on foreign aircrafts, and it serves as a beacon of hope for a self-reliant India. He was speaking at the handing over ceremony of LCA Tejas Twin Seater to the Indian Air Force in Banglore on 04 October, 2023. RRM further said that the LCA Tejas program has been an inspiring saga of relentless dedication and innovation. The inception of the LCA Tejas aircraft was rooted in the dream of equipping our Indian Air Force with a world-class indigenous fighter aircraft. It was a dream that many believed was too ambitious at the beginning of the programme, but the men and women at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO Labs, CEMILAC, DGAQA, PSUs, IAF and countless other institutions and individuals who contributed to this programme proved that nothing is impossible when the country’s interest comes first and all institutions come together for completion of this important cause. Underlinig the significance of LCA Tejas program , RRM said that the country gained the much-required knowledge of building a cutting-edge fighter aircraft and also developed & nurtured aerospace ecosystem. The development of LCA Tejas has spurred the growth of a robust defence and aerospace industry in India. It has created opportunities for countless small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and skilled workers who have contributed to various aspects of this project. The HAL’s first Series Production twin seater of LCA Tejas is decked with state-of-the-art technology, agility, and versatility, It will provide suitable training to the Pilots of IAF. The IAF has already placed an order for 83 LCAs with HAL. The Chief of Air staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari , CMD, HAL Shri. Ananthakrishnanji, Director General of ADA Dr Girish S Deodhare , Chief Executive of CEMILAC Shri APVS Prasad , Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) – Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit were present on the occasion.