France Opens Doors to Nuclear Submarine Collaboration, India Eyes Pump-Jet Technology

BREST, FRANCE - In a landmark development in Indo-French defense ties, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan was given an in-depth briefing on France's advanced nuclear submarine capabilities during his visit to the French naval base in Brest. The briefing highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two nations, particularly in the transfer of non-nuclear submarine technology, which could significantly boost India's indigenous defense capabilities.

A highlight of the defense dialogue was the exploration of sharing pump-jet propulsion technology, a key component of France's Le Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). This advanced propulsion system, combined with pressurized water K15 nuclear reactors and electric drive, offers submarines enhanced maneuverability, stealth, and operational endurance – attributes that could significantly benefit India's own nuclear-powered conventionally armed attack submarine (SSN) program.

While India's SSN program is still in the developmental stage, France's expertise in pump-jet propulsion presents a unique opportunity for synergistic collaboration. By integrating this technology into its submarines, India could not only enhance their operational capabilities but also bolster its strategic deterrence posture in the Indian Ocean region.

General Chauhan's visit to France underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly in the defense sector. Both countries share common concerns over maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and are committed to deepening their bilateral defense cooperation to address these challenges effectively.

The exchange of submarine technology and expertise between India and France holds immense potential for both nations. India could benefit significantly from France's vast experience in submarine design, construction, and operation, while France could gain a foothold in the burgeoning Indian defense market.

Although any potential collaboration on nuclear submarine technology is a complex and sensitive issue, the willingness of both countries to explore such a partnership signifies a new level of trust and cooperation in their bilateral relationship.

General Chauhan's visit to France marks a crucial step in this direction, laying the groundwork for deeper defense cooperation and strategic alignment between the two nations. As both countries continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century security landscape, their partnership promises to be a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

[Akshat]

Nope, that is not in public. The only thing in public is that BEL themselves fitted the BEL manufactured TRM to Rafale radars with France only training the Indian team regarding the assembly technique. Everything about French TOT is a lie

So you are saying that BEL CMD is lying about getting tech from a foreign company as offsets for which GoI paid billions? That will be a big fraud and treason. And if you are claiming that and it turns out to be fake then that would be defamation since you are claiming to have read the news.

 

[Akshat]

There was no public declaration. The only thing negotiated with France is $2million for initial certification of kaveri which was done for limited envelope and then likely later full certification once it is done completely. Anything about TOT, JV, collaboration is just a lie.

Anything that says otherwise is a lie.

 

[Mrityunjay Shrivastav]

I read MDL MDs interviews with Ajai Shukla and few other places and he painted a grim picture that Naval Systems hardly transferred any TOT and said MDL may have gotten about 40% or so knowledge.

Read my posts above about AESA radar technolgy

It's true they MDL only did screwdrivery on scorpene but even with blueprints of Type 209 they failed to design a replacement let alone modernize it themselves

But look at korea they license produced type 209 made a design based on it for Indonesia modernized 209 themselves license produced type 214 and now making even better version KSS by themselves

About radar for mk1a french did offered miniature version of RBE-2E and jammer pod which was tested on Mirage 2000 and but it was rejected in favor of cheaper yet effective 2052 and 8222WB from israel, french then did everything in there power to not allow us access to meteor

Russian fleet: russian radar
For MK1A they said only if you buy euro or indian radar we can, we wont integrate it with israeli

For mirage 2000 they said it's going to cost alot (trying to milk us like 2000 deal in 90s again) when brand new F16 block 50/52 used to cost 40M they charged us 40M for each airframe upgrade without AESA or engine swap) but some corrupt officials were paid handsomely so deal went through

 

[Varaaah]

While India's nuclear reactors on board the subs have to be refueled every 5 years, those of France need refueling every 20 years and those of the US every 40 years. so Bharat has still a long way to catch up.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

How about making more submarines in S4* class ( 2 more ) and shift the role of INS Arihant & INS Arighat to SSN category..

It would the best option available as india has already mastered SSBN tech