Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and French firm Safran Aircraft Engines have signed an agreement to industrialise and produce rotating parts for LEAP engines, used in single-aisle civil aircraft. This collaboration supports the Government of India’s “Make in India” policy and follows a memorandum of understanding inked in October 2023, along with a forged parts production contract signed in February 2024.

“We are really proud to expand this long-standing partnership with Safran and to develop our industrial expertise in forging processes for Inconel parts for the LEAP program,” Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, D K Sunil said. The agreement is a strategic step to support India’s growing aerospace sector and ensure the ramp-up of LEAP engines.

Safran is also working toward a broader aerospace ecosystem in India through new facilities and deeper cooperation with Indian partners like HAL. Dominique Dupuy, Safran’s Purchasing VP, said, “This industrial cooperation is part of our roadmap to diversify our production sourcing and strengthen our industrial footprint in India.” Safran already operates five production sites in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Goa, and a sixth MRO facility for LEAP engines is set to open in Hyderabad by year-end.