At the Aero India trade show in Bengaluru, Safran Aircraft Engines, the French aircraft engine manufacturer, has signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce turbine forged parts for LEAP engines. This agreement builds upon an MoU signed in October 2023, strengthening industrial cooperation under India’s “Make in India” initiative. The deal supports the rapid expansion of India’s aerospace sector and ensures a steady production ramp-up of LEAP engines, which power single-aisle civil aircraft worldwide.
The partnership between Safran and HAL has deep roots, with the two companies previously establishing the Safran HAL Aircraft Engines joint venture in Bengaluru in 2022. This facility manufactures key components for both the LEAP engine and the M88 engine, which powers the Rafale fighter jet. Safran is further reinforcing its footprint in India by expanding local facilities and developing a broader aerospace ecosystem with strategic Indian partners.
Dr D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two firms, pointing to their joint development of the Shakti helicopter engine and their co-design work on the IMRH engine. He expressed enthusiasm for deepening the relationship, particularly in supplying critical nickel ring forgings for LEAP engines.
This latest agreement cements Safran’s commitment to India’s aviation ambitions while elevating HAL’s role in global aerospace manufacturing, positioning India as a key player in high-precision engine component production.
