India's private sector Defence firm Pipavav has entered into a partnership with French Defence major DCNS to acquire European shipbuilding and other naval technologies for indigenous use.
The decision to establish a strategic partnership between Pipavav and DCNS was announced here in India.
Under the arrangement, Pipavav will get DCNS' technologies, methods and skills.
The focus of the teaming up is to build the highest state-of-the-art strategic assets including modern warships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, according to the announcement made by the two companies.
Speaking on the partnership, Patrick Boissier, DCNS Chairman and CEO stated: "Through the P75 Scorpene submarines (at Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks Limited), the on-going indigenisation programme, and the (subsidiary) DCNS India, we are working to enlarge our footprint in India. This strategic partnership with Pipavav again demonstrates DCNS’ confidence in the growing capabilities and long-term development of the Indian Defence industries."
Nikhil Gandhi, Pipavav Chairman, declared, "DCNS is well known for its high tech and very efficient platforms such as Scorpene submarines, Mistral-Class LPDs, FREMM frigates and innovative Gowind vessels (Corvettes and Offshore Patrol Vessels) among others.
"DCNS and Pipavav are to provide India with advanced expertise on naval ships. The synergies between India’s largest integrated shipyard and the proficiency of the largest European naval Defence Company will allow cost effective and timely manufacturing of high class vessels for the benefit of all Customers."
Pierre Legros, DCNS head of the surface ships division, concluded, "DCNS’ pledge is to become a key technology and know-how provider to Pipavav. Our objective is to propose modern manufacturing processes together with state of the art platforms. DCNS is committed to transfer the technologies needed to support India’s national security needs."
The partnership is expected to boost India’s drive for self-reliance in the field of Defence manufacturing and to create a large number of local jobs. It will further strengthen the solid Indo-French strategic relationship in the Defence sector.
Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Company Limited are involved in the business of naval shipbuilding, repair and dry-docking and have the capability to build all types of assets required by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
Pipavav is expanding its footprint in the Defence weapon systems manufacturing field with regard to land- and air-based weapon systems and sub-systems.
It has pioneered public-private partnership in the Indian naval sector, having joined hands with the Mazagon Docks in recent months after being chosen to form a joint venture to build warships for the Indian Navy, as first reported by defencenow.com.
The Gujarat-based shipyard's achievements include construction of 74,500 dwt Panamax Dry Bulk Carriers, which are the largest dry bulk carriers of their class ever built in India. |