Joint Venture Between SAFRAN, HAL for Assembly For Rafale M88 Turbofan Engine
Considering Indian Air Force requirement of fighter aircraft in the future, and to promote self reliance in the engine domain the signing of a MoU between HAL and Safran is most welcome. This also opens up possible opportunities for India to export even fighter engines.
The French manufacturer Safran Aircraft Engines and our Defence aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study the manufacturing of components and the assembly of the M88 engine designed by Safran in India. A transfer of technology is being considered.
The agreement also includes a partnership between HAL and Safran for the elaboration of the indigenous design of a 110 kN high thrust engine. Such a component could power the future Advance Medium Combat Aircraft [AMCA], a 5th plus generation fighter-bomber developed by HAL.
That initiative would help power a potential second batch of Dassault Rafale fighter jets ordered for the Indian Air Force, or “any aircraft manufactured in India by HAL fitted with M88.” Indian authorities and their French counterparts are reportedly discussing an arms contract that could include a second batch of 36 Rafales.
By end April this year, the first squadron should be functioning at full strength and thereafter the second squadron will start its raising. mi
