In a landmark development at the 55th Paris Air Show, Safran Aircraft Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have formalized an agreement to jointly produce rotating forged parts for the LEAP aircraft engine program. This agreement is a continuation of the two companies’ ongoing collaboration and is aligned with India’s Make in India initiative, aimed at bolstering local aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The latest deal follows a memorandum of understanding that was signed in October 2023, as well as a contract agreed upon in February 2025, which was focused on advancing industrial cooperation for LEAP engine components. Under the terms of the new agreement, HAL will undertake the production of rotating parts made from Inconel, a specialized material known for its high performance in resisting heat and corrosion, essential qualities for advanced jet engines.
Safran Aircraft Engines, recognized as one of the leading manufacturers in the engine sector, is keen on broadening its manufacturing footprint in India. The collaboration is expected to support the escalating demand for LEAP engines, which predominantly power the single-aisle commercial aircraft fleet in the country. With this partnership, Safran aims not only to enhance its global production capacity but also to foster closer ties with Indian firms, fostering a more integrated aerospace ecosystem.
Dr. D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, expressed pride in the strengthened partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits of enhancing their capabilities in forging high-performance parts for the LEAP program. “We are proud to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Safran and enhance our industrial capability in forging high-performance engine parts for the LEAP program,” he remarked.
On the other hand, Dominique Dupuy, the Purchasing Vice President of Safran Aircraft Engines, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration in reinforcing the company’s manufacturing base in India. He acknowledged HAL as an essential partner, noting that this initiative also contributes to the future of the M88 engine, which powers the Rafale fighter aircraft.
Safran currently operates five production facilities in India, primarily located in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Goa. An additional site dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of LEAP engines is set to be operational in Hyderabad by the end of 2025. The joint venture, established in 2022, between Safran and HAL specializes in producing components for both LEAP and M88 engines.
India stands as CFM’s third-largest market globally regarding engine deployments, with more than 370 of the 500 aircraft operated by Indian carriers relying on LEAP engines. Furthermore, over 2,000 additional LEAP engines have already been ordered for upcoming aircraft. This deepening partnership between Safran and HAL is seen as a crucial step towards establishing a self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in India, underscoring both commercial and military strategic advantages for the nation.
