Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with French engine manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines to design, develop, and produce aircraft engines and industrialise and produce rotating parts for LEAP engines.
The announcement was made during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show and follows the MoU signed by Safran Aircraft Engines and HAL in October 2023 to strengthen industrial cooperation in LEAP engine parts manufacturing. It also builds on the contract signed in February 2024 between the two partners to produce superalloy forged parts.
Safran Aircraft Engines is expanding its footprint in India by extending its collaboration with HAL to produce Inconel parts, a critical material in high-performance aerospace components. Abdul Salam, General Manager of HAL’s LCA Division, signed the agreement with Mr. Dominique Dupuy, Vice President of Purchasing at Safran Aircraft Engines.
“We are really proud to expand this long-standing partnership with Safran and to develop our industrial expertise in forging processes for Inconel parts under the LEAP program,” said Dr D. K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL.
The objective is to support the rapid growth of India’s aerospace sector and the global ramp-up of LEAP engines, which power single-aisle civil aircraft. As part of this vision, Safran is developing a complete aerospace ecosystem in India, including new manufacturing facilities and closer cooperation with Indian partners such as HAL.
Following the successful development of near-net ring forging technology at HAL, the two companies have agreed to commence production of Inconel parts at HAL’s state-of-the-art Ring Rolling facility at its Foundry & Forge Division in Bengaluru. This will support the global requirements of the LEAP program. Additionally, both companies work together to co-develop technologies for other balance parts.
“We are pleased to extend our collaboration with HAL, a key player in the Indian aerospace industry,” said Dominique Dupuy, Safran Aircraft Engines’ Vice President of Purchasing. “This industrial cooperation is part of our strategy to diversify production sourcing and strengthen our industrial presence in India, to support the country’s growing civil aviation demand and prepare for future military requirements.”