In a landmark development for India’s aerospace and defence industry, French aerospace giant Safran has announced the launch of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre in Hyderabad, focused exclusively on the M88 military jet engine, which powers the Rafale fighter jets.
The new entity, named Safran Aircraft Engine Services India, marks a significant step forward in Indo-French defence collaboration and underscores Hyderabad’s rising prominence as a strategic aerospace hub. This facility is not just another infrastructure project—it’s a critical asset poised to strengthen India’s defence self-reliance, supporting the Indian Air Force’s high-performance Rafale fleet with localized maintenance solutions.
Announced after a high-level meeting between Safran General Manager Pierre Fernandez and Telangana Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, the initiative is expected to generate 150 skilled jobs by the end of 2025, with the possibility of expanding to 900 positions in future phases, underlining the long-term commitment and scalability of the project.
Safran is already an established player in Hyderabad with two advanced production units: one for electrical harnesses for LEAP engines and Rafale aircraft, and another for rotating parts used in LEAP engine turbines. The new M88 engine service centre completes a vital link in the ecosystem—bringing not just manufacturing, but also full-spectrum lifecycle support to Indian soil.
Beyond boosting employment, the new centre is a vital asset for ensuring operational readiness of the Indian Rafale fleet. It minimizes turnaround times and reduces dependency on overseas facilities for engine overhauls, aligning with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision.
This announcement also coincides with growing industrial ties between France and India, supported by entities like the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and complements recent joint ventures such as the Dassault-TATA agreement to manufacture Rafale fuselage parts in India.
With this strategic move, Safran reinforces its role as a cornerstone of India’s evolving aerospace landscape, positioning Hyderabad not just as a national, but a global hub for cutting-edge military aviation support.
