Safran Offers Rafale Engine Assembly Line in India Tied to Fresh Jet Orders

French Aerospace Giant Safran has pledged to establish a complete Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India for the M88 engines that power Dassault Aviation’s Rafale fighter jets, provided New Delhi places additional orders for the aircraft. The commitment was announced by Safran CEO Olivier Andriès on Wednesday during the virtual inauguration of the company’s new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Andriès stated unequivocally that, in the event of fresh Rafale orders, the engine production would mark the first time the M88 is fully assembled outside France.

The announcement comes as India evaluates options for its long-pending requirement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under a “Make in India” framework. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets acquired in 2016, with an additional 26 Rafale Marine variants ordered in 2023 for the Navy. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh recently confirmed that the Rafale remains a strong contender for the MRFA program, citing its proven performance and the ease of integration given the existing fleet. Safran’s willingness to transfer final engine assembly aligns closely with India’s push for greater indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer in defense deals.

The newly inaugurated Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad, set to become operational in 2026, will initially focus on MRO for LEAP commercial engines used on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. However, the broader strategic intent underscores deepening Franco-Indian defense industrial cooperation. Safran has partnered with India for seven decades, notably supplying engines for helicopters produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and supporting the Mirage 2000 fleet.

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With negotiations for additional Rafale jets gaining momentum and India seeking substantial local production in future fighter acquisitions, Safran’s offer positions France favorably against competing bids. Industry sources indicate that transferring final assembly of the M88 engine—along with critical components—could significantly enhance the attractiveness of any renewed Rafale proposal under the MRFA tender, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations in defense aerospace.

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