Safran Aircraft Engines has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to develop industrial cooperation in forging parts manufacturing for commercial aircraft engines.

As a part of the deal, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will produce CFM Leap engine parts for Safran's Bangalore facilities with an aim to support the Indian government's ‘Make in India’ policy, as well as the Leap program's ramp-up.

HAL already is a part of the Leap supply chain through its Safran HAL Aircraft Engines joint venture in Bangalore, which is dedicated to the production of aero-engines pipes. 

“This industrial cooperation on key technologies is consistent with our strategy to further develop our long-term ties with Indian aviation industry to sustain the growing domestic market," says Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. "It also represents a milestone of our long-standing efforts toward reinforcing India’s sovereign capabilities in aero-engines design and manufacturing. Such projects will help make Indian industry ready for further ambitious indigenous programs like the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) engine.”

Safran's long-term ambition is to develop a comprehensive aero-engines ecosystem in India, further adding to its existing footprint. Safran already has three production facilities in India between Hyderabad and Bangalore. By 2025 it will open a fourth facility—one of its largest—in Hyderabad dedicated to Leap MRO activities. It is also jointly developing a helicopter engine MRO facility with HAL in Goa. It is expected to be operational by 2025.