IOL inks pact with SAFRAN to locally produce high-precision artillery and fire-control systems

New Delhi: India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defence for the transfer of production of two high-precision, combat-proven systems, paving the way for their local manufacturing. The systems are: SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, designed for artillery guns and anti-drone systems.

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The agreement was signed by CMD, IOL Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics & Defence, Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar (IAS) in New Delhi on December 22, 2025.

Building on the MoU signed in January 2024, this new agreement confirms the commitment of both partners to manufacture and support these advanced systems in India. Under the partnership, IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support, ensuring the systems meet the operational needs of the Indian Army. 

By combining IOL’s industrial capabilities in India with Safran Electronics & Defence’s recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the partnership contributes to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the readiness and performance of its land forces.

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