Hyderabad: Global defence and aviation player Safran is committed to full transfer of engine technology to India for the fifth-generation fighter jets, its Chief Executive Officer, Olivier Andries, said on November 26.
India has initiated the process to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The government plans to build five prototypes of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Safran CEO Andries at a briefing in the city, said that with the total support of the French government, “we are absolutely committed to transfer engine technology, full transfer of technology for the next fighter engine development.”
He emphasised that India is the only country where the company would be ready to do so. He added that the company would engage with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for technical and commercial discussions on co-development. Olivier Andries was talking to media persons after the inauguration of Safran’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility for LEAP engines that power narrow-body A320 and B737 planes.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the dedicated MRO facility for M88 engines that are used in Rafale fighter jets was also held on Wednesday, November 26. Both facilities will be in Hyderabad. The company is committed to setting up a final assembly line in India for Rafale engines and critical components if the Indian Air Force places more orders for the fighter jets, said Safran.
Present in India for more than seven decades, Safran provides engines and various critical components, including landing gear and electrical systems for Rafale fighter jets.
