NEW DELHI : French aerospace and defense major Safran has expressed readiness to establish a dedicated engine assembly line in India as New Delhi and Paris advance negotiations for the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andries stated that the company is prepared to expand its industrial footprint in India in line with the requirements of the proposed fighter aircraft program, indicating a further strengthening of Indo-French defense industrial cooperation, particularly in aero-engine manufacturing and long-term maintenance support.
Localization of M88 Engine Production
Safran manufactures the M88 turbofan engine that powers the Dassault Rafale aircraft. Under the proposed framework, the company would assemble M88 engines in India and integrate Indian suppliers into its production ecosystem.
The plan includes sourcing parts and components from domestic vendors, with a gradual increase in local content. This approach is aimed at strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing base, enhancing supply chain capabilities, and supporting the government’s objective of increasing indigenous content in defense procurement while reducing reliance on overseas maintenance and overhaul support.
If implemented, the facility would mark the first Rafale engine assembly line outside France, while also creating opportunities for repair, overhaul, and lifecycle support for engines operated by Indian armed forces.
Progress on 114 Rafale Fighter Procurement
The proposed engine assembly line is directly linked to India’s plan to procure 114 multi-role fighter jets for the IAF. The project has received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The estimated value of the fighter aircraft program is approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore. Under the current proposal:
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18 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from France.
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96 aircraft will be manufactured in India under a strategic partnership model, involving technology transfer and collaboration with Indian industry partners.
The discussions are taking place amid ongoing high-level engagement between India and France, including the scheduled visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to New Delhi. Defense cooperation remains a central component of bilateral relations.
Additional Procurement Approvals
During the same DAC meeting, approval was also granted for additional acquisitions, including Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The 114-fighter program is intended to address the IAF’s squadron requirements as older aircraft are phased out. The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets inducted under a previous government-to-government agreement. Additionally, 26 carrier-capable Rafale-Marine aircraft are on order for the Navy.
Safran’s Expanding Presence in India
Safran recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for a 5,000-square-meter Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad dedicated to the M88 engine, which will support engines powering Indian-operated Rafale aircraft.
The company has also established a major MRO center in Hyderabad for commercial LEAP engines, reinforcing its long-term presence in India’s civil and military aviation sectors.
Localized engine assembly and integration of Indian suppliers are expected to support higher fleet availability, streamlined maintenance cycles, and long-term industrial capability development within India. The establishment of the engine assembly line will depend on the finalization of the 114-aircraft procurement agreement.
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