Safran is a major French aerospace, aviation, defence and space group that designs, develops and manufactures aircraft engines, avionics, navigation systems, as well as weapons and military technology. Globally, Safran works across civil aviation -- building engines and aircraft components -- and on defence electronics, avionics, helicopter and jet engines, navigation systems, weapons systems and space-related propulsion or electronics.
Safran’s long India story
Safran has been associated with India’s aerospace and defence sector for decades. The company supplies key systems and equipment to a significant share of Indian aircraft and helicopters, including engines, landing gear, navigation systems, wiring harnesses and avionics.
In recent years, Safran has deepened its commitment to India by setting up local production and research-and-development infrastructure. In February 2025, the company announced the creation of an electronics production site and an R&D centre in Bengaluru. The facility will produce electronic components and catered systems for aerospace, defence and space applications. According to Safran, this step “enhances competitiveness and local integration of industrial and technological activities”, and aligns with India’s “Make in India” policy.
Huge recent investments: Engines, weapons and MRO
A major milestone for Safran in India came in November 2025 when India inaugurated the first global engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre by a global engine OEM in Hyderabad. This facility, called SAESI, will service LEAP engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
The deep-level MRO hub will not only support civil aviation but is also expected to accelerate engine maintenance turnaround times and reduce costs for Indian airlines. This underscores Safran’s belief that India is not just a market but a strategic partner. Safran’s CEO Olivier Andries said this facility, along with other investments, reflects the group’s commitment to India and its aerospace ambitions.
On the defence side, Safran has signed a landmark joint venture with India’s state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to produce the HAMMER smart, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India.
This means parts and sub-assemblies will be manufactured locally, underlining a push toward defence self-reliance and technological transfer.
Strategic significance for India
For India, Safran’s expansion offers multiple advantages. First, local production and R&D reduce dependence on imports for aerospace and defence -- a vital step for strategic autonomy. The Bengaluru electronics facility and Hyderabad MRO reduce overseas dependency for maintenance, supply chains and high-tech components.
Second, the expanded presence creates high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs and builds capacity in defence electronics, avionics and maintenance. This strengthens India’s industrial ecosystem and aligns with national goals of “Make in India” and boosting domestic defence capabilities.
Third, with the HAMMER weapons joint venture and potential full engine technology transfers for future combat aircraft, India deepens its tie-up with a Western OEM whose systems already power many Indian military platforms.
Safran’s view: India as a core strategic hub, not just a customer
Safran itself calls India a “core market and strategic country,” not merely a buyer base. The company has committed to increasing its India-derived revenue substantially and to sourcing more components locally. As CEO Olivier Andriès expressed, “the two new MRO centers in Hyderabad dedicated to the LEAP and M88 engines … underscore India’s importance to our Group.”
Through production sites, R&D centres, MRO hubs and joint ventures, Safran aims to deeply embed its operations in India’s aviation and defence landscape. The firm’s commitment underscores long-term confidence in India’s growth trajectory and strategic ambitions.
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