France offers key SAM technology to India

Bangalore -- France is discussing with Indian authorities to transfer its surface-to-air missile technology to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, said Jean-Marie Bockel, Minister of State for Defence, France, at Aero India 2009 show. Bockel said the short range surface-to-air missile would be a fine example of cooperation, technology transfer and capability for India to develop the missile. “We respect the autonomy of our partners and we would guarantee full security for the procurement," he added. France is also ready to upgrade works for India's Mirage-2000 aircraft .Asked whether the upgradation would result in the version with latest technologies available being installed on the aircraft, Bockel said the Indian Air Force had already given specifications as per their needs.