French aerospace and defence giant Safran is strengthening its presence in India, a move widely seen as a strategic effort to secure the coveted contract to power India's ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This expansion also allows Safran to leverage India's growing pool of engineering talent.
Safran Data Systems, a subsidiary of Safran, recently inaugurated a new office in Chennai. This facility will serve as a hub for design and development, addressing the increasing demand within the aerospace and defence sector. The company highlighted that this strategic expansion will allow them to tap into Chennai's rich pool of engineering capabilities.
Safran has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to supply engines for the AMCA, competing with industry giants like Rolls Royce from the UK and GE from the US. Discussions between Safran and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), specifically the Aeronautical Development Agency and Gas Turbine Research Establishment, are currently underway to finalize engine specifications. This engine program is a key component of the Horizon 2047 document, which outlines the long-term strategic partnership between India and France.
This is not Safran's first foray into collaboration with Indian entities. Last October, Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly manufacture forging parts for commercial engines.
Additionally, HAL and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, a joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, signed a contract for the joint design and development of the "Aravalli" engine. This new generation high-power engine will power the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the 12.5-ton Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both being developed by HAL.
Safran already enjoys a strong presence in India as the leading supplier of turbine engines for military helicopters. With over 1,400 helicopter engines currently in service in the Indian armed forces, Safran has a proven track record.
One notable example of Indo-French cooperation is the Shakti/Ardiden 1H1 engine, co-developed by Safran and HAL. This engine, now known as the Shakti engine, is being manufactured in Bengaluru and powers the HAL-produced Dhruv helicopter and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). To date, 350 Shakti engines have been produced in India.
Furthermore, Safran's Ardiden 1U engine has been chosen to power the 3-tonne Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
This latest expansion in Chennai underscores Safran's long-term vision for India, leveraging the nation's skilled workforce and contributing to its growing aerospace and defence capabilities.
