French aerospace major Safran has announced the establishment of a new entity- Safran Aircraft Engine Services India in Hyderabad to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the M88 engines that power the Rafale fighter jets.
About MRO Facility
- Purpose: MRO of M88 engines used in Rafale fighter aircraft.
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Entity: Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (newly established)
- Timeline: Operational by end of 2026
- Employment Potential:
- Phase 1: ~150 jobs
- Future Phases: Potential to generate 750+ jobs
Strategic Importance
- Hyderabad will become a central hub for:
- Production and export of critical Rafale engine components
- Expansion of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem
- Will strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Associated Developments
Dassault-Tata Deal:
- Dassault Aviation (Rafale manufacturer) recently signed four production transfer agreements with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).
- Purpose: Manufacturing of entire Rafale fuselage- a first outside France.
- Components to be Made in Hyderabad:
- Lateral shells of rear fuselage
- Complete rear section
- Central fuselage
- Front section
- Production Start: FY 2027–28
Existing Safran Operations in Hyderabad
Safran Electrical & Power India:
- Makes electrical harnesses for: Dassault Rafale; CFM LEAP engines; FADEC; Falcon 10X
Safran Aircraft Engines Hyderabad:
- Manufactures rotating parts for LEAP engine’s low-pressure turbine
- Specializes in rotating turbine seals
Strategic Relevance
- Makes Hyderabad a key aerospace hub in India.
- Supports:
- Indigenization of defence manufacturing
- Export-oriented growth
- Employment generation
- Enhances France-India defence partnership