Safran and HAL Unite for Groundbreaking Military Engine Partnership

India’s premier aerospace organization, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), partnered with Safran Aircraft Engines, the French worldwide frontrunner in aeroengine engineering, innovation, and production, to ink a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) declaring their aim to collaborate on advancing niche engine technologies within India.

According to the stipulations of the MOU, HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines plan to investigate possibilities for assembling the Safran M88 engine and fabricating components for this engine in collaboration with HAL for an additional series of Rafale Aircraft intended for India, as well as any aircraft produced in India by HAL equipped with the M88 engine.

The exchange of a substantial quantity of expertise during the assembly/manufacturing initiatives is also planned. The MOU includes cooperation between HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines for indigenization programs focusing on the design and development of high-thrust engines with a power output exceeding 110 kN, incorporating the transfer of vital technologies pertinent to this advancement.

“We are eager to broaden our collaboration with HAL by seeking out opportunities in strategic sectors. Overall, we remain dedicated to endorsing the ‘Make in India’ initiative through significant investments, synergies, and the creation of high-skilled employment,” remarked Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines.

“Safran is our pivotal ally concerning engines in HAL’s helicopters such as the Chetak, Cheetal, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter, and Advanced Light Helicopter. HAL and Safran have effectively co-developed the ‘Shakti’ engine for Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Helicopter. We have produced over 450 Shakti engines domestically at the HAL Engine Division in Bangalore, which stands as a testament to our fruitful partnership,” stated Mr. R. Madhavan, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL.

Both HAL and Safran are enthusiastic about elevating this collaboration by investigating new pathways. They are keen to uncover opportunities for strategic business alliances that leverage the complementary strengths and capabilities of both entities and bolster the establishment of a robust aero-engine ecosystem in India, in line with the Government of India’s Make in India ambitions,” he continued.

Both organizations also joined forces in 2005 to form a jointly-owned enterprise in Bengaluru focused on manufacturing pipes for aero-engines.

The MOU is crucial as it will permit India to gain access to intricate and specialized technology held by only a handful of nations, and to enhance capabilities in designing and developing high-thrust engines. Given the nation’s future demands for fighter aircraft, this bodes well for achieving self-sufficiency in the engine sector while also unlocking potential export opportunities for India.

Safran is a global high-tech consortium engaged across aviation (propulsion, equipment, and interiors), defense, and space sectors. Its fundamental mission is to foster a safer, more sustainable world, where air travel is more eco-friendly, comfortable, and accessible. Safran maintains an international presence with 81,000 employees and holds, either independently or in partnership, leading global or regional positions in its primary markets.

Safran Aircraft Engines designs, manufactures, and markets, either independently or in partnership, commercial and military aircraft engines that provide world-class performance, dependability, and environmental sustainability. Through CFM International, Safran Aircraft Engines stands as the foremost supplier of engines for short and medium-haul commercial jets worldwide.

CFM represents a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE.