A Safran worker on factory floor.
Safran Launches LEAP Engine MRO Services in India: Hyderabad, India – December 1, 2025: In a significant milestone for India’s aviation and defence sectors, French aerospace giant Safran has inaugurated a state-of-the-art LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre in Hyderabad. This facility marks a major expansion of Safran’s industrial footprint in India and signals a deepened commitment to the country’s Make in India initiative, with a focus on enhancing engine servicing capacity and bolstering local defence manufacturing.
The newly established MRO centre is designed to support aircraft powered by engines from CFM International, a joint venture between Safran and General Electric. CFM International engines power a large portion of India’s commercial fleet, including the Airbus A320 family, which is operated by leading airlines such as IndiGo and Air India. The new facility will significantly reduce the need for overseas engine maintenance, streamline turnaround times for airlines, and enhance operational efficiency for India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
Strengthening India’s Aviation and Defence Sectors
Safran’s expansion in India goes beyond commercial aviation, with a strategic focus on the country’s growing defence and aerospace sectors. The MRO facility in Hyderabad will not only support civil aviation programmes but also serve military aviation needs, including maintenance for the M88 engine, which powers the Indian Air Force’s Dassault Rafale fleet. This new initiative will bolster India’s defence readiness by reducing reliance on foreign repair hubs and improving the operational flexibility of the country’s military aircraft.
In addition to the engine MRO centre, Safran is ramping up its local manufacturing capabilities. The company has expanded its electronics and avionics manufacturing base in Bengaluru, strengthening India’s aerospace supply chain and providing critical components for both civil and military aircraft. Safran’s long-term industrial commitment to India includes plans to scale local sourcing and increase production capabilities, fostering job creation across multiple cities and reinforcing the government’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Safran Leap Engine.
Reducing Dependence and Boosting Local Production
Safran’s MRO services will play a key role in reducing operational costs for Indian airlines, such as IndiGo and Air India, by providing quicker and more cost-efficient maintenance solutions. The local servicing of LEAP engines will also support the ongoing expansion of India’s civil aviation sector, which continues to grow with the addition of new single-aisle aircraft. This development is in line with the Make in India programme, as Safran continues to localise production and reduce dependency on foreign MRO hubs.
“The opening of this new MRO centre is a proud moment for Safran and for India’s aviation ecosystem. We are committed to building local capabilities and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global aviation and defence hub,” said Safran’s senior leadership. “Our facilities in Hyderabad and Bengaluru are not just investments in the country’s aerospace infrastructure but also a testament to our confidence in the growth of the Indian market.”
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Military Cooperation and Defence Modernisation
Safran’s expansion also focuses on India’s defence modernisation programme, with particular attention to strengthening the indigenous manufacturing base for high-tech defence systems. The company has partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to jointly manufacture air-to-surface weapons for both imported and domestically produced fighter aircraft. This collaboration is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in defence technologies, aligning with the government’s broader goal of creating a robust domestic defence ecosystem.
In addition to weapons manufacturing, Safran continues its collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in producing forged and machined components for both commercial and military engine platforms. These partnerships underscore Safran’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence sector through technology transfer and the development of high-precision engineering capabilities locally.
The new MRO and manufacturing facilities will support not only India’s expanding commercial aviation market but also its strategic defence needs. As India’s armed forces modernise and expand their capabilities, Safran’s expertise in aerospace technology and manufacturing will play a critical role in enhancing operational readiness and strengthening national security.
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A Strategic Commitment to India’s Growth
With plans to triple its annual revenue from Indian operations by the end of the decade, Safran’s expansion in India is a long-term strategic investment. The company is positioning itself as a key player in both the commercial and defence aviation sectors, capitalising on India’s growing need for sophisticated aerospace technologies and support services.
By localising production and maintenance services, Safran is contributing to India’s aerospace ecosystem in a way that enhances cost efficiency, supports the government’s industrialisation efforts, and strengthens India’s global standing in the aviation industry. This move is expected to have a ripple effect, generating high-value direct and indirect jobs, fostering innovation, and reinforcing India’s role as a hub for next-generation aerospace manufacturing.
A Stronger, More Independent Aerospace Ecosystem
Safran’s investments in India reflect the company’s unwavering confidence in the country’s aviation and defence sectors. The new MRO facilities, manufacturing partnerships, and expanded local sourcing are expected to deliver significant benefits for both the commercial and military aviation sectors. These developments not only align with India’s Make in India goals but also lay the groundwork for a more self-reliant aerospace ecosystem that can meet the growing demands of both the civil and defence sectors.
With a focus on cutting-edge technology, local manufacturing, and collaboration with Indian partners, Safran’s latest expansion is set to play a pivotal role in the development of India’s aerospace and defence industries. As India continues to modernise and expand its aviation infrastructure, Safran’s strategic investments will help ensure that the country remains at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.
This move further positions India as an emerging hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing, with Safran’s local presence contributing significantly to the government’s vision of creating a self-sustaining, world-class aerospace ecosystem.
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