HAL, Safran Aircraft Engines sign MoU for ring forging manufacturing in Bengaluru

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has entered a new phase of industrial cooperation with Safran Aircraft Engines, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dedicated to the development of ring forging manufacturing for commercial engines. This agreement will enable HAL to produce forgings for the LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engine, which powers key commercial aircrafts like the Airbus A320 Neo family and the Boeing 737 Max. The MoU signing ceremony, held in Bengaluru, was a convergence of top officials from both companies, including HAL’s Mihir Kanti Mishra and Safran’s Dominique Dupuy.

Strengthening Aerospace Ties

The collaboration highlights HAL’s expanding capabilities in the aerospace sector and reflects the enduring partnership between HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines. C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman & Managing Director (Additional Charge) of HAL, commented on the depth of this relationship, citing the joint development of the “Shakti” helicopter engine and the upcoming co-design and co-production of the next-generation IMRH engine. He expressed pride in elevating this partnership and developing key technological expertise.

Safran’s Continued Commitment to Indian Aerospace

Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, also expressed enthusiasm about broadening their collaboration with HAL. He acknowledged HAL’s existing role within the LEAP Supply Chain, reinforced by a Bengaluru-based joint venture focused on producing aero-engines pipes. This extended partnership between HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines signifies a significant advancement in the Indian aerospace industry, especially in the domain of engine component manufacturing.

A Sign of Growing Industrial Cooperation

Further cementing their cooperative efforts, an Industrial Cooperation Contract was also signed by Anil Kumar VN, GM (FaF) of HAL, and Jean Michel, Strategy Director and India Development, Safran Military Division. This contract, along with the MoU, marks a milestone in HAL’s journey in the aerospace sector, underlining its commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and contributing to the global aerospace supply chain. The HAL and Safran partnership is poised to boost the aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in Bengaluru and beyond, setting a new benchmark in the industry.