Safran Data Systems Expands in India: New Chennai Facility to Boost Space and Defense Sectors

Safran Data Systems (SDS), a key player in aerospace, defense, and automotive telemetry, is expanding its presence in India with the opening of a cutting-edge facility in Chennai. This strategic move is a significant step towards bolstering India's capabilities in the space and defense sectors, aligning with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which promotes self-reliance in technology and manufacturing.

SDS has long been a trusted partner in India, supporting high-profile national projects such as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan and Aditya L1 missions, as well as contributing to the development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variants like TEJAS with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With this new facility, SDS is set to deepen its role in India's ambitious space and defense programs, providing advanced telemetry, testing, and simulation solutions.

The state-of-the-art facility in Chennai was inaugurated by B. Krishnamoorthy, Special Secretary of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and Jeetendra Gavankar, Chief Executive of Safran Data Systems India. They were joined by senior leaders from Safran, including Executive Vice President of SDS France, Noel Ballot, and Vinod Mathew, Managing Director of SDS India. The new center will not only serve as a hub for design and development but also play a key role in supporting the growing demands of India’s space ecosystem.

A critical aspect of this expansion is Safran’s focus on leveraging Chennai’s highly skilled engineering workforce. This talent pool is expected to drive innovation and support Safran’s mission to deliver world-class solutions tailored to India’s needs. Gavankar emphasized that Safran’s efforts will help India’s space industry scale new heights, ensuring that the country’s ambitious space missions are well-supported by cutting-edge technology under the “Make in India” banner.

Tamil Nadu’s government is also eager to support this high-tech initiative. B. Krishnamoorthy highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and helping companies like Safran find the right local talent and resources. Under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) umbrella, Safran will benefit from a supportive ecosystem for testing, certification, and talent acquisition.

Safran Data Systems India, formerly known as Captronic Systems, was established in 1999. Over the years, it has become a pivotal player in India’s aerospace and defense sectors. The company's expansion marks a new chapter in its ongoing partnership with both public and private organizations, reinforcing its commitment to helping India achieve technological self-reliance.

This new facility is set to contribute significantly to India’s aspirations in the global space and defense arena, providing innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of these industries. With its advanced telemetry and testing capabilities, Safran Data Systems is well-positioned to support India’s journey towards greater technological autonomy.

By expanding its footprint in India, Safran not only strengthens its global presence but also contributes to the nation’s growing role as a technology leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. This Chennai facility is expected to be a cornerstone for future innovations, supporting India’s ambitious space programs and defense initiatives for years to come.