A Safran worker on factory floor.
Safran Acquires Collins Aerospace’s Flight Control and Actuation Business: Paris, July 21, 2025 — Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defense, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation activities, further solidifying its position in the market for mission-critical systems in commercial and military aircraft, as well as helicopters. With this strategic move, Safran becomes a global leader in the design and manufacture of flight control and actuation systems, positioning itself for leadership in next-generation aerospace platforms.
The transaction, finalized on July 21, 2025, significantly expands Safran’s technological portfolio, including hydraulic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical actuation solutions. The acquired business employs approximately 4,000 individuals and operates across eight primary facilities in Europe—namely the UK, Italy, and France—along with key sites in Poland, the United States, and India. Collins’ flight control and actuation systems are integrated into 180 different platforms, which generated approximately $1.55 billion in revenue and an EBITDA of about $130 million in 2024.
The integration of this business, expected to be fully consolidated within Safran Electronics & Defense by August 1, 2025, is a crucial step in Safran’s broader strategy to expand its capabilities in the aviation industry. Safran’s CEO, Olivier Andriès, remarked, “This acquisition offers a unique opportunity to solidify our position in mission-critical flight control and actuation functions and create a global leader in this domain. It will enable us to deliver a comprehensive offering to our customers and position us extremely well for next-generation aircraft. This business fits perfectly with both our product portfolio and our DNA with a high technology content, recurring aftermarket sales, and profitable growth.”
READ: India Poised for Landmark Fighter Engine Deal with French Safran Following MoD Recommendation
Safran’s additive manufacturing.
READ: Indian Navy’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar Commissioned
A Stronger Offering for the Next Generation of Aircraft
As the aerospace industry turns toward decarbonization and the development of more electrified, sustainable platforms, the need for advanced flight control and actuation systems is increasing. In particular, the next generation of single-aisle aircraft will incorporate disruptive architectures, placing new demands on these systems. Safran’s integration of Collins Aerospace’s hydraulic and mechanical actuation expertise, combined with its own deep knowledge in electro-mechanical actuation and electronics, will provide a comprehensive solution to meet these evolving needs.
“This acquisition will enable us to better support the next generation of aircraft, including single-aisle, all-electric aircraft that will define the future of commercial aviation,” Andriès continued. The addition of Collins’ hydraulic and mechanical capabilities is expected to strengthen Safran’s leadership position across both commercial and military aviation sectors.
In addition to its commercial benefits, the acquisition also brings complementary expertise in the areas of helicopter and nacelle actuation, where Safran is already recognized as a global leader. This positions the company to further expand its market share in these critical segments. Furthermore, Safran will gain new capabilities in military actuation systems, supporting a broad range of platforms including military aircraft and missiles, thus reinforcing its sovereignty-focused activities.
READ: BWX Technologies Wins $2.6 Billion US Navy’s Naval Nuclear Reactor Deal
Safran’s additive manufacturing.
READ: A New Era Takes Flight: Boeing Begins Production of 777-8 Freighter Wings
Strategic Benefits and Financial Impact
The key strategic benefits of this acquisition are multifaceted, including an expanded portfolio and enhanced leadership position across flight control and actuation systems. The deal also offers balanced exposure to both mature and growing platforms in commercial, military, and helicopter segments. The recurring revenue potential from service activities is significant, with approximately 40% of the acquired business’s turnover stemming from after-sales services.
The enterprise value of the transaction is pegged at $1.8 billion, which is expected to have a positive, accretive impact on Safran’s earnings per share starting from the first year. The transaction is anticipated to generate approximately $50 million in annual pre-tax run-rate cost synergies by 2028. Additionally, Safran has simultaneously sold its North American electro-mechanical actuation business to Woodward, Inc., in compliance with regulatory requirements. This divestiture, which recorded sales of about $65 million in 2024, ensures that Safran remains in compliance with all relevant anti-trust regulations.
READ: Airbus-Safran’s EcoPulse Takes Flight: A Major Step Toward Sustainable Aviation
The Role of Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, a division of Raytheon Technologies, is a leading supplier of aerospace and defense solutions, providing cutting-edge technology and products for a wide range of commercial and military applications. The company has long been a leader in the flight control and actuation domain, with a focus on enhancing performance and safety across aircraft systems. The acquisition of its flight control and actuation business by Safran reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry towards consolidation of high-tech solutions that are critical to the development of next-generation aircraft.
In the wake of the transaction, Collins Aerospace will continue to focus on other areas of aerospace innovation, including avionics, propulsion systems, and aerospace interiors, while Safran takes over the leadership role in flight control and actuation systems. The acquisition strengthens Safran’s competitive positioning globally and is expected to drive significant long-term value for both companies.
READ: Safran Group to Set Up First Overseas Defence Electronics Unit in India
Safran’s Growing Footprint
With its roots deeply embedded in the aerospace industry, Safran is increasingly recognized for its leadership in high-tech products that power both military and commercial aviation. Beyond flight control and actuation, Safran is a key player in propulsion, landing gear, avionics, and other critical systems that support a wide range of aviation platforms. This acquisition further underscores Safran’s commitment to technological innovation, as well as its strategy to build a diversified, resilient business that serves the evolving needs of the global aerospace and defense sectors.
As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, Safran’s expanded capabilities position it as a key player in the next generation of sustainable, electrified aircraft systems. With an increased emphasis on mission-critical technology, the company is poised to drive advancements that will define the future of aviation in both the commercial and defense sectors.
READ: India’s HAL, Safran Engines join hands to produce helicopter engines
The completion of Safran’s acquisition of Collins Aerospace’s flight control and actuation business marks a significant milestone in the aerospace sector, reinforcing Safran’s position as a global leader in aerospace technology. By bringing together Collins’ expertise in hydraulic and mechanical actuation with Safran’s advanced electro-mechanical solutions, the company is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the next generation of aircraft. As the aerospace industry moves toward greater electrification and sustainability, Safran’s expanded capabilities will be key in driving the future of aviation.
READ: India-General Atomics sign $4 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Drones
