Safran, HAL sign MoU on Rafale Engine Manufacturing in India

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and French Safran Aircraft Engines, signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to assemble and manufacture components for Smecma M88 engine that powers Rafale jets in India.

Under the terms of the MoU, HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines intend to explore opportunities to assemble the Safran M88 engine and manufacture components for the engine with HAL for additional batch of Rafale Aircraft for India and for any aircraft manufactured in India by HAL fitted with M88, Safran said in a statement.

The transfer of a significant amount of technology in the assembling/manufacturing programs is also contemplated. The MoU also encompasses collaboration between HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines for indigenization programs relating to design and development of high thrust engines of 110 kN power and above with transfer of key technology in the framework of this development.

“Safran is our key partner in respect of Engines in HA’Ls Helicopters like Chetak, Cheetal, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter. HAL and Safran have successfully co-developed ‘Shakti’ Engine for Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Helicopter. We have manufactured more than 450 Shakti engines in India at HAL Engine Division in Bangalore, which is testimony of success of our collaboration. Both HAL and Safran are keen to take this partnership to next level by exploring new avenues,” said Mr R. Madhavan, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL.

Both companies also teamed up in 2005 to create an equally-owned joint venture in Bengaluru which produces pipes for aero-engines.