At the Aero India show in Bengaluru, Safran Aircraft Engines, a global leader in aerospace engine manufacturing, signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce turbine forgings for the LEAP engine. This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023 and reinforces industrial cooperation under India’s “Make in India” initiative.
The partnership aims to support India’s rapidly growing aerospace sector and increase production of LEAP engines, which power single-aisle commercial aircraft. In 2022, Safran and HAL established a joint venture, Safran HAL Aero Engines, in Bengaluru. This venture focuses on manufacturing components for the LEAP engine and the M88 engine, used in the Rafale fighter jet. Safran is also expanding its footprint in India by developing the aerospace ecosystem, constructing new facilities, and collaborating with key Indian partners.
Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, emphasized the strong relationship between the two companies. “Safran and HAL have a decades-long partnership, strengthened through projects like the Shakti helicopter engine. This collaboration laid the foundation for co-designing and co-developing the IMRH engine. We are proud to advance this partnership by supporting LEAP engine production with critical nickel ring forgings,” he said.
Dominique Dupuy, Vice President of Procurement at Safran Aircraft Engines, echoed this sentiment. “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with HAL, which aligns perfectly with the goals set in our 2023 forging production agreement,” he stated.
India is a strategic market for Safran Aircraft Engines, which already operates five production sites in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Goa. In 2025, the company will open a sixth facility in Hyderabad, dedicated to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities for LEAP engines.
India ranks as CFM International’s third-largest market for in-service engines. CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. Currently, 75% of India’s commercial fleet is powered by CFM engines, with over 370 Indian aircraft using LEAP engines. Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 2,000 LEAP engines.
Beyond commercial aviation, Safran plans to deepen its military collaboration with India, particularly on the M88 engine used in fighter jets.
Safran is a global high-tech group specializing in aviation, defense, and space. With 92,000 employees and revenues of €23.2 billion in 2023, Safran is a leader in multiple aerospace sectors. Through CFM International, it is the world’s largest supplier of engines for single-aisle commercial aircraft.
This latest agreement underscores Safran’s commitment to India’s aerospace industry and its role in supporting the country’s growing aviation needs.
