Safran ready to open India engine production in Rafale deal

PARIS: French ​engine maker ​Safran is ready ​to build an engine assembly line in India to ‌meet ⁠the ⁠country's requirements for local ​production as the French and ​Indian governments discuss the purchase of 114 ​more Rafale jets, ⁠its ‌CEO said ​on ​Friday.

Safran, which makes ⁠M-88 engines for the Dassault Aviation jet, will also buy parts from local suppliers to support India's aerospace industry, Olivier Andries ‌told reporters.

India on Thursday gave initial clearance for procurements ⁠including Rafale and Boeing P-8I maritime patrol planes ahead of a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron next week.