Safran's big India move: MRO facility in Hyderabad

French engine manufacturer Safran has announced that it would invest $150 million to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Hyderabad. Meanwhile, forward movement has taken place in plans to co-develop and produce a next generation fighter jet engine in India.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh met a high-level French delegation led by Safran Group CEO Olivier Andries on Tuesday, with the company releasing details of its planned investments that are expected to create close to 600 highly skilled jobs in India.

The MRO facility for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines in use by Indian and foreign commercial airlines is expected to overhaul 250 engines a year. Safran, which is one of the leading manufacturers of jet engines in the world, is also in talks with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to co-develop a 110 kilonewton power engine for next generation fighter aircraft.


"The CEO of Safran outlined his company's long-term plan in co-development and co-production of advanced jet engines and transfer of technology as per existing policy of the Government of India," officials said. Sources said forward movement in the project has taken place and the proposal to co-develop the new engine is now at the final stage.

"We are increasingly focused on manufacturing in India for addressing the needs in a competitive manner and supplying to friendly foreign countries. You can leverage all the competitive advantages India offers including the cost advantages and availability of trained manpower," defence minister Singh told the delegation.

The French company will inaugurate three facilities in India - Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Electrical & Power India Pvt Ltd and Safran-HAL Aircraft Engines - this week. They will focus on components for advanced aircraft and helicopter engines.