India Optel, Safran Partner to Localise Production of Advanced Artillery Navigation and Sighting Systems

India has taken a significant step towards indigenous production of advanced defence technologies with India Optel Limited entering into a collaboration agreement on Mondy with Safran Electronics and Defence for the transfer of production of two high-precision, combat-proven systems.

The agreement enables local manufacturing of the Sigma 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, widely used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars, and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight for artillery guns and anti-drone systems, strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical navigation and targeting equipment under the Make-in-India initiative.

According to Safran, integrated in mobile radar systems, Sigma 30 helps determine the precise location of enemy batteries as soon as it detects any firing.

Designed to optimise the operational deployment of artillery units and their intelligence systems, Sigma 30 gives combat platforms an autonomous engagement capability, even when there are no GPS signals.

Sigma 30 has also largely proven its ability to resist the harsh environments typical of military environments. Forces in the field favour this system because of its ability to be integrated in latest-generation digital networks for artillery units.

The CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, developed by Safran Electronics and Defence, is a compact electro-optical sighting system designed to enhance the direct-fire capability of artillery guns and anti-drone systems.

Equipped with a day optical channel, thermal imaging for night operations and an integrated eye-safe laser rangefinder, the system enables accurate target detection, identification and engagement in all weather and lighting conditions.

Lightweight and easily integrable with fire-control and ballistic systems, the CM3-MR improves first-round hit probability and situational awareness in direct-fire and close-threat scenarios, making it a critical component for modern artillery and counter-drone operations.

In a statement issued here, the defence ministry’s spokesperson said that the agreement was signed by CMD, IOL Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics and Defence Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar.

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, the statement added.