New Delhi: French aerospace giant Safran has indicated that the final assembly of Rafale fighter jet engines and critical components may be shifted to India, contingent on additional orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF). This would mark the first time Safran establishes such an assembly line outside France, representing a major step in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP engines in Hyderabad, Safran CEO Olivier Andries reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to India’s aerospace sector. The new MRO centre highlights Safran’s growing investment in the country.
Safran has maintained a presence in India for over seventy years, supplying critical Rafale components including landing gear, electrical systems, oxygen systems, and ejectable seats. Andries emphasized that many of these components are integral to the Rafale platform.
India’s recent defence acquisitions include 26 Rafale M naval variant jets, supplementing the existing fleet of 36 IAF-operated Rafale fighters and 47 Mirage 2000 aircraft. These expanded orders strengthen the case for establishing local assembly capabilities.
In addition to assembly prospects, Safran has launched a dedicated MRO facility for the M88 engine, which powers Rafale jets. Spanning 5,000 square metres with over €40 million in investment, the facility will service more than 600 engine modules annually and is expected to employ 150 personnel at full capacity. The centre will support IAF engines as well as international M88 engine customers.
Safran’s Aircraft Engine Services India facility is now the world’s largest MRO centre for LEAP engines, which power aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 through CFM International, a joint venture between Safran and GE Aerospace.
These developments underscore Safran’s expanding footprint and strategic role in India’s growing aerospace and defence ecosystem.
