In a move aimed at bolstering Dassault Aviation's bid for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, Safran, a leading aerospace and defense company, has announced its commitment to manufacturing M-88 engines entirely in India. This strategic decision aligns with the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative and promises significant benefits for both countries.
The M-88 engine, renowned for its power and reliability, is the driving force behind the Rafale fighter jet, which Dassault is offering to the IAF. Safran's existing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad is already equipped to produce M-88 engines, and the company is prepared to significantly increase production capacity to meet the IAF's needs.
The IAF will require atleast 240 engines for its upcoming fleet of 114 MRFA jets, in addition to the 186 engines needed for its existing fleet of 62 Rafale aircraft. Should Dassault secure the MRFA contract, the IAF's total requirement for M-88 engines is projected to reach 350 over the next 40 years.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rafale fleet in India, Safran plans to transfer M-88 engine production technology to its Indian subsidiary. This will enable the involvement of Indian private sector companies in the manufacturing process, further boosting indigenous content to at least 60%. This localized production is crucial for achieving a high maintainability rate of around 75%, essential for the operational readiness of the IAF's Rafale fleet.
By producing the M-88 engines in India, Safran aims to strengthen Dassault's position in the MRFA competition while contributing to India's self-reliance in the defense sector. This initiative not only aligns with the "Make in India" vision but also fosters a strong partnership between Safran and India, promoting technological advancement and economic growth within the country.
This development comes as India seeks to modernize its air force and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense equipment. The MRFA tender has attracted significant interest from global aerospace giants, with Dassault's Rafale facing competition from Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin's F-21, Saab's Gripen, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia's MiG-35.
