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 and local manufacturing of two high-precision, combat-proven defence systems in India.
The agreement marks a significant milestone under the Make in India initiative and covers the indigenous manufacturing of the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, 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.
The pact 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, in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar.
This agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two companies in January 2024 and reinforces their commitment to manufacture and support these advanced systems domestically. Under the partnership, IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control, and complete life-cycle support to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.
By combining IOL’s industrial and manufacturing capabilities in India with Safran’s expertise in inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the operational readiness and performance of its land forces.