Safran Pledges to Establish Rafale Engine Assembly Line in India Amidst Potential New Orders

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French aerospace giant Safran has reaffirmed its commitment to setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Rafale fighter jet's engines in India, contingent upon fresh orders for the aircraft. The announcement was made by Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, following a virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the company's maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for LEAP engines in Hyderabad. The MRO facility, which is set to become operational in 2026, will be a significant addition to Safran's existing presence in India, where the company has operated for over 70 years. Safran employs 3,000 people in the country and has 18 sites across the nation. If India places an additional order for Rafale jets, it will mark the first time Safran manufactures engines outside of France. The company has been a strategic partner to the Indian armed forces, particularly in helicopter engines, and has a long-standing relationship with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has previously stated that the Rafale is one of the options being considered to bolster the Indian Air Force's combat fleet, which is seeking to acquire 114 multi-role fighter aircraft to be manufactured in India in partnership with a local company. Safran's commitment to establishing a Rafale engine assembly line in India is seen as a significant win for the country's aerospace industry, with the company pledging to increase its 'Make in India' efforts if additional orders are placed. The company is already a major player in the Indian market, with a significant presence in the country and a reputation for producing high-quality military engines. The new MRO facility for the M88 engine, which powers the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jet, was also announced on Wednesday. Located in Hyderabad, the facility represents an investment of over €40 million and is set to become operational in the near future. Safran's commitment to establishing a Rafale engine assembly line in India is a testament to the company's confidence in the country's aerospace industry and its willingness to contribute to the growth and development of the sector. The move is likely to have a positive impact on the Indian economy and will provide a significant boost to the country's aerospace industry.