February 2025 – Bengaluru, India At the Aero India trade show in Bengaluru, French aerospace giant Safran Aircraft Engines has signed a significant contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of turbine forged parts for LEAP engines. This agreement builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies in October 2023, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative to bolster domestic aerospace manufacturing.
The contract is a key step in supporting India’s rapidly growing aviation market and ensuring the scaling up of LEAP engine production. These state-of-the-art engines power single-aisle civil aircraft, playing a crucial role in global commercial aviation.
To enhance industrial collaboration, Safran and HAL established the Safran HAL Aircraft Engines joint venture in Bengaluru in 2022. This partnership focuses on manufacturing components for the LEAP engine, as well as the M88 engine used in the Rafale fighter aircraft. Additionally, Safran is developing a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, expanding its facilities and working with a network of Indian industry partners.
“Safran and HAL share a long-standing relationship, strengthened over the decades through joint projects such as the ‘Shakti’ helicopter engine. This has laid the foundation for further co-design and co-development, including the IMRH engine. We are delighted to take this collaboration forward and support LEAP engine production with critical nickel ring forgings,” said Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL.
Echoing this sentiment, Dominique Dupuy, Safran Aircraft Engines’ Purchasing Vice President, stated: “We are very enthusiastic about continuing this partnership with HAL. This contract reaffirms our commitment to the objectives set in our 2023 agreement for the production of forged parts.”
Safran Aircraft Engines has been expanding its footprint in India, a key market where the company currently operates five production sites in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Goa. A sixth site, dedicated to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for LEAP engines, is set to open in Hyderabad in 2025. India is the third-largest market for CFM engines, with 75% of the country’s commercial fleet powered by them. Of the 500 aircraft operated by seven Indian airlines with CFM engines, more than 370 use LEAP engines, and over 2,000 engines are on order.
Furthering its commitment to India, Safran Aircraft Engines is also looking to expand its military collaboration, particularly around the M88 engine.
About Safran Aircraft Engines
Safran is a leading international high-technology group specializing in aviation, defence, and space markets. The company is dedicated to making air transport safer, more sustainable, and efficient. With a global workforce of 92,000 employees and revenue of €23.2 billion in 2023, Safran holds leading positions in its core markets. Through its CFM International joint venture with GE, Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s top supplier of engines for single-aisle commercial jets.
For more information: www.safran-group.com | www.safran-aircraft-engines.com
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a premier aerospace company under the Indian Ministry of Defence. Established in 1940, HAL has grown into a major player in aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance, covering advanced fighters, trainers, helicopters, and transport aircraft. The company also manufactures aerospace components for space vehicles and provides commercial services at HAL airports in Bangalore and Nasik.
For more information: www.hal-india.co.in
SOURCE AND IMAGE: SAFRAN
