India and France Set to Co-develop Combat Aircraft Engine

Current Context: India and France have signed key defence pacts to jointly develop engines for combat aircraft and the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH).

• This is a part of their strategic partnership and cooperation in advanced aeronautical technologies.
• The combat aircraft engine will be developed by Safran and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while the IMRH engine will be developed by Safran Helicopter Engine and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• These projects are expected to boost India’s self-reliance and Make in India initiative in the defence sector.
• However, some other deals, such as the purchase of three Scorpene submarines from France, are still under negotiation.

Question:

Q.1 Which two organisations will jointly develop the combat aircraft engine for India and France?
a. Safran and DRDO
b. Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL
c. GE Aerospace and HAL
d. GE Aerospace and DRDO