Safran committed to full engine tech transfer for fifth-gen fighter jets: CEO

Hyderabad: With the support of the French government, global defence and aviation player Safran is committed to full transfer of engine technology to India for the fifth-generation fighter jets, its CEO, Olivier Andries, said on Wednesday.

India has kick-started the process to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

At a briefing in the city, Andries said with the total support of the French government, "we are absolutely committed to transfer engine technology, full transfer of technology for the next fighter engine development."

Emphasising that India is the only country where the company would be ready to do so, he said the company would engage with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for technical and commercial discussions on co-development. Andries was talking to media persons after the inauguration of its MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility for LEAP engines that power narrow-body A320 and B737 planes.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the dedicated MRO facility for M88 engines that are used in Rafale fighter jets was also held on Wednesday.

Both facilities will be in Hyderabad.

Safran further said it is committed to setting up a final assembly line in India for Rafale engines and critical components if the Indian Air Force places more orders for the fighter jets.

Safran, which has been present in India for more than 70 years, provides engines and various critical components, including landing gear and electrical systems for Rafale fighter jets.

Recently, India ordered 26 Rafale M naval variants and already operates 36 Rafale and 47 Mirage 2000 fighters. Safran CEO Olivier Andries said the two new MRO centres in Hyderabad dedicated to the LEAP and M88 engines, and the new joint venture with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) underscore India's importance to the Group.

“We are proud to support the rapid growth of India's civil and defense aerospace markets and actively contribute to the country's Make in India policy and strategic autonomy. Safran will triple its revenue in India to exceed 3 billion euros by 2030, of which half will be 'Made in India' by our Indian facilities. “At the same time, Safran will multiply by five its sourcing in the country,” he said.

The Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility will be among the largest global aircraft engine MRO facilities and it is also the first time that such a facility has been set up by a global engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) in India.

On November 24, Safran inked a joint venture and cooperation agreement with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to manufacture Safran Electronics & Defense's 'Hammer' modular air-to-surface weapon. The 'Hammer' can be integrated on multiple aircraft types, including theRafale and single-seat HAL Tejas. In February 2025, Safran had announced investments totalling over 30 million euros for two projects -- an engineering centre in Bengaluru specialising in avionics and actuators, and an electronics and actuation manufacturing facility in Bengaluru.

The engineering centre, which is operational now, has around 250 staff, while the facility in Bengaluru, with 400 employees, will start operations in 2026. SAFHAL -- the joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL -- started designing the Aravalli engine for two future heavy helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces in 2024.