Safran and HAL strengthen aerospace ties with new contract for LEAP engine parts

In a significant development for India‘s growing aerospace sector, Safran Aircraft Engines, the French aerospace leader specialising in aircraft engine design and production, has signed a pivotal contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This agreement, announced at the Aero India 2025 trade show in Bengaluru, focuses on the production of critical turbine forged parts for LEAP engines, which power next-generation single-aisle commercial aircraft worldwide.

This partnership builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023, aimed at enhancing industrial collaboration and supporting the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative. With this contract, Safran and HAL are set to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities while addressing the surging global demand for LEAP engine production.

How will the Safran-HAL partnership impact India’s aerospace industry?

The Safran-HAL collaboration is more than just a contract; it represents a strategic alignment designed to position India as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain. The deal underscores the importance of Indian aerospace growth, leveraging HAL’s manufacturing prowess alongside Safran’s technological expertise.

Safran and HAL’s relationship dates back several decades, marked by successful joint projects like the “Shakti” helicopter engine, which powers India’s advanced light helicopters. This collaboration paved the way for the co-development of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) engine, setting the stage for future aerospace innovations.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. D. K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded cooperation:

“We are excited to take this collaboration to the next level by contributing to LEAP engine production with critical Nickel Ring forgings. Our long-standing relationship with Safran reflects the strength of Indo-French industrial ties and our commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities.”

Safran’s Purchasing Vice President, Dominique Dupuy, emphasised the strategic value of this contract:

“Our partnership with HAL perfectly aligns with the objectives set in our 2023 agreement. The production of forged parts will not only enhance Safran’s supply chain resilience but also deepen our engagement in India’s aerospace ecosystem.”

Why is LEAP engine production crucial for India’s aviation sector?

The LEAP engine, developed by CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace—is one of the most advanced aircraft engines in commercial aviation. Known for its fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and reduced noise, the LEAP engine powers popular aircraft models like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.

India has become a vital market for CFM International, with over 75% of the country’s commercial aircraft fleet equipped with CFM engines. Currently, more than 370 aircraft operated by seven Indian airlines are powered by LEAP engines, and there are over 2,000 LEAP engines on order for future aircraft deliveries. This strong demand underscores the significance of localising production through partnerships like Safran’s with HAL.

Moreover, India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by a surge in domestic air travel and increased aircraft orders from airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. The collaboration between Safran and HAL will not only support this growth but also create high-skilled jobs, foster technology transfer, and contribute to the broader goal of making India a global aerospace manufacturing hub.

What are Safran’s broader plans for expanding in India?

Safran’s investment in India extends beyond LEAP engine components. The company already operates five production facilities across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Goa, specialising in components manufacturing, avionics, and defence systems. A sixth facility, dedicated to LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities, is set to open in Hyderabad in 2025. This site will play a critical role in ensuring the operational efficiency of India’s expanding fleet of LEAP-powered aircraft.

In addition to its civil aviation projects, Safran is actively expanding its defence and electronics footprint in India. Recently, Safran Electronics & Defense announced the establishment of a new electronics production facility and a state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) centre in Bengaluru. The production site will focus on manufacturing electronic cards and defence systems, while the R&D centre will support next-generation technologies in avionics, space, and defence.

This dual investment is expected to employ around 400 people at the electronics site and an additional 250 engineers and technicians at the R&D centre. The move is aligned with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) policy, reinforcing Safran’s long-term commitment to developing indigenous capabilities and fostering local talent.

How does the partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited enhance India’s defence sector?

Safran’s ambitions in India also include strengthening the country’s defence capabilities. In another major announcement at Aero India 2025, Safran Electronics & Defense signed an agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to create a joint venture focused on the production, customisation, and maintenance of HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision-guided munitions.

This partnership will localise the production of advanced weapon systems, reduce India’s reliance on imports, and support the government’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The joint venture will facilitate technology transfer, promote innovation, and create new opportunities for Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the defence sector.

Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, highlighted the significance of the partnership:

“This joint venture with BEL marks a key milestone in our efforts to support India’s defence modernisation. By combining Safran’s expertise with BEL’s capabilities, we aim to position India as a global hub for smart munitions manufacturing.”

A strategic leap for India’s aerospace future

Safran’s multi-faceted investments in India reflect a long-term strategy to integrate deeper into the country’s aerospace and defence sectors. The partnership with HAL for LEAP engine parts, the expansion of electronics production, and the defence collaboration with BEL are all part of Safran’s broader vision to contribute to Indian aerospace growth and technological self-reliance.

These initiatives not only strengthen Indo-French industrial ties but also reinforce India’s position as an emerging powerhouse in global aerospace and defence manufacturing. As the demand for advanced aviation and defence technologies continues to rise, partnerships like Safran’s with HAL and BEL will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s aerospace landscape.