Safran Announces Rafale Engine MRO Base in Hyderabad.

French aerospace major Safran has announced the establishment of a new aero engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad, a move that anticipates the significant expansion of India's Rafale fighter aircraft fleet. The dedicated MRO will service the M88 engines that power the Dassault-produced Rafale jets.

A new entity, Safran Aircraft Engine Services India, has been specifically created to manage the MRO operations for the M88 engines. This facility will provide crucial support for the Rafale fighter jets already in service with the Indian Air Force.

The timing of this announcement is strategic, as the Indian Navy is set to begin inducting its marine version of the Rafale, the Rafale M, from 2028. India recently signed an inter-governmental contract with France on April 28, 2025, for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M aircraft. Deliveries for these naval fighters are expected to commence in 2028 and conclude by 2030, further increasing the demand for localized MRO capabilities for their M88 engines.

This new facility underscores Safran's commitment to supporting India's defense capabilities and strengthening its presence in the country's growing aerospace sector.