FARNBOROUGH. State-run defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a significant long-term contract with French aerospace leader Safran Aircraft Engines to manufacture critical superalloy turbine ring forgings for the CFM LEAP engine programme.
The multi-year agreement was officially inked on the sidelines of the prestigious Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. The deal was signed by Praveen B, General Manager of HAL’s Foundry & Forge Division and Dominique Dupuy, Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Safran Aircraft Engines, in the presence of HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K and CEO (Bangalore Complex) Jayakrishnan S.
Under the terms of the agreement, HAL will produce near-net-shape turbine ring forgings using high-performance superalloys at its state-of-the-art Ring Rolling facility within the Foundry and Forge Division in Bengaluru, India. Superalloy ring forgings are specialised components engineered to operate in the elevated-temperature, rotating sections of jet engines, serving a vital role in maintaining engine power, efficiency and operational reliability.
The CFM LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engine is a high-bypass turbofan developed by CFM International – a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace. As one of the world’s most widely deployed commercial jet engines, the LEAP engine powers leading single-aisle aircraft fleets, including the Airbus A320neo family, the Boeing 737 MAX and the COMAC C919. With commercial airlines scaling up operations globally, demand for LEAP engines has surged, prompting major aerospace manufacturers to diversify and strengthen their international supply chains.
Highlighting the importance of the deal, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K stated that the contract reflects the rising confidence of global aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in HAL’s advanced technological capabilities and high-precision manufacturing infrastructure. He emphasised that integrating into the supply chain for a major commercial aviation programme will substantially boost HAL’s presence in the global civil aerospace sector while furthering India’s indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.
Dominique Dupuy of Safran Aircraft Engines noted that the partnership aligns with Safran’s strategic goal to establish a resilient, locally integrated global supply chain. As Safran accelerates production to keep pace with order backlogs from commercial airlines, HAL’s advanced forging facility in Bengaluru will serve as a key regional manufacturing pillar.
The newly signed contract represents a deepening of the multi-decade industrial relationship between HAL and Safran. Beyond component manufacturing for commercial jet engines, the two entities maintain several active partnerships, including a joint venture – SAFHAL Helicopter Engines – focussed on the co-development and production of the new ‘Aravalli’ high-power engines for India’s future multi-role military helicopters.
By securing a long-term role in producing high-precision, heat-resistant components for commercial jet engines, HAL continues to diversify beyond defence manufacturing, positioning India as a vital hub in the global civil aerospace supply network.
