New Delhi. MBDA-ISAE Scholarship winners were held on July 20, welcomed at the Residence of France in New Delhi by Ms Claire Thuaudet, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, at an award ceremony to celebrate their achievements. The scholarship, which is sponsored by MBDA, Europe’s leading developer of missiles and missile systems, was created in 2013 following an agreement drawn up by ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation and ISAE.
On completing their studies, the five Indian students will be awarded an internationally accredited MSc in Aerospace, Mechanics and Avionics from ISAE-SUPAERO. The selected individuals are all graduates from various Indian institutions of higher education chosen by an admissions panel formed independently of the ISAE. The fifth batch to benefit from the scheme, the five scholarship awardees will spend two years of their Master’s programme at the premier institution of ISAE, Toulouse.
In addition to sponsoring their studies, MBDA will also contribute to their living expenses in Toulouse, France. The Embassy of France will provide students scholarships that cover the benefits such as visa fee waivers, medical insurance coverage, access to affordable accommodation, etc. Last year, MBDA announced its decision to extend this advanced programme of excellence in aerospace engineering for a further three years, meaning it will continue until the end of the 2020 academic year.
The development programme also aligns with the ‘Make in India’ policy, which encourages firms to use domestic skills and manufacture products within the country. The scholarship provides another platform for Indian defence professionals to develop their skills, commercial knowledge and international understanding in order to enable India to develop its own sovereign capabilities in the future.
During the reception, Ms Claire Thuaudet, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, said: “During his State visit to India, President Emmanuel Macron had emphasized on France’s aim of annually hosting at least 10,000 Indian students in France’s globally renowned institutions by 2020. The joint MBDA-ISAE is an excellent scholarship programme that helps us to attract talented Indian students to our country and increase the strong educational and industrial partnerships between India and France, especially in defence, space and aeronautics.”
Loïc Piedevache, MBDA Group India Country Head, said, “These high-potential students will benefit from some of the best opportunities on offer in the defence and aeronautical industry. Not only will they receive the highest level of education from the prestigious ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse, France, but they will also get the opportunity to expand their international networks and immerse themselves in the French and European culture and way of life. As a true longstanding reliable partner of India, MBDA is very proud to continue to contribute to such a reputable and important education programme.”
