Paris/Bengaluru: In a significant development for India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France-based Safran Aircraft Engines signed a landmark agreement for the industrialization and production of rotating parts for LEAP engines at the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Abdul Salam, General Manager of HAL’s LCA Division, and Mr. Dominique Dupuy, Vice President, Purchasing, Safran Aircraft Engines.
Strengthening Industrial Ties for the Future of Aviation
This partnership builds on previous milestones, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023, and a February 2024 contract for the supply of superalloy forged parts. The new deal takes HAL and Safran’s cooperation to the next level through the production of Inconel parts — high-performance alloys critical to jet engine durability and performance.
The production will take place at HAL’s state-of-the-art Ring Rolling facility at the Foundry & Forge Division in Bengaluru, a move expected to support the increasing global demand for LEAP engines that power next-generation single-aisle civil aircraft.
Boosting ‘Make in India’ and Aerospace Ecosystem
The partnership aligns with the Government of India’s “Make in India” policy and highlights Safran’s intent to expand its industrial footprint in India, both to meet domestic demand and to serve international aerospace markets.
“We are really proud to expand this long-standing partnership with Safran and to develop our industrial expertise in forging processes for Inconel parts for the LEAP program,” said Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL.
“This industrial cooperation is part of our roadmap to diversify our production sourcing and strengthen our industrial footprint in India,” said Dominique Dupuy, VP, Purchasing, Safran Aircraft Engines. “We look forward to supporting both civil aviation growth and future military requirements.”
Technology Transfer and Capability Development
A critical aspect of the agreement is technology development, with HAL now producing near-net ring forgings, a vital technology for the LEAP engine program. The current focus is on Inconel parts, but HAL and Safran are jointly developing processes for other balance parts, which are expected to enter production in the coming phases.
Supporting the Growth of India’s Civil Aviation Market
With India among the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, this partnership will play a key role in enabling domestic aerospace firms like HAL to become integral parts of global supply chains. Safran’s commitment to building a “complete aerospace ecosystem” in India includes the creation of new manufacturing facilities and deeper collaboration with Indian industry leaders.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defense company, headquartered in Bengaluru. It is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world, with a history dating back to 1940. HAL is involved in the design, development, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and other aerospace systems.
