HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines signed long-term contract for LEAP engine components
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a long-term contract with Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) for the supply of turbine-forged parts for the LEAP engine. The agreement, finalized at Aero India 2025, marks a significant step in the industrial collaboration between the two companies.
This contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023, which aimed to enhance cooperation in commercial engine parts manufacturing under the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative. It represents the first tangible outcome of this strategic partnership.
Under the agreement, HAL will manufacture forged components for the LEAP engine at its state-of-the-art Ring Rolling facility at the Foundry & Forge Division in Bengaluru. The production will support the increasing demand for LEAP engines as global airlines expand their fleets.
The contract was signed by Anil Kumar, General Manager of HAL’s Foundry & Forge Division, in the presence of Jayakrishnan S., CEO (Bangalore Complex) of HAL, and Dominique Dupuy, Purchasing Vice President of Safran Aircraft Engines.
HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr. D.K. Sunil emphasized the long-standing collaboration between HAL and Safran, citing their joint development of the ‘Shakti’ helicopter engine as a foundation for future co-design and co-development efforts, including the IMRH engine. “We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Safran and support their LEAP engine program with critical Nickel Ring forgings,” he said.
Safran Aircraft Engines’ Purchasing VP Dominique Dupuy echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are excited to continue our partnership with HAL. This agreement aligns perfectly with the objectives set in our 2023 agreement for the production of forged components.”
India is currently the third-largest market for CFM engines, with 75% of the country’s commercial aircraft fleet powered by them. Of the 500 aircraft operated by seven Indian airlines using CFM engines, over 370 are LEAP-powered, with more than 2,000 LEAP engines on order. Safran continues to expand its presence in India, operating five production units, with a sixth facility dedicated to LEAP engine maintenance planned in Hyderabad.
