Hyderabad: In a landmark announcement, French aerospace giant Safran Aircraft Engines revealed plans to establish a state-of-the-art MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility in Hyderabad, India, exclusively dedicated to servicing the M88 military jet engine, the powerplant for the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. This will be the first such facility for the M88 engine outside France and represents a strategic step forward in deepening Indo-French defence collaboration.
The new Hyderabad site will be a dedicated export MRO hub, with a projected capacity to maintain over 600 M88 engine modules annually by 2040. It is also expected to generate up to 150 skilled jobs, contributing significantly to India’s growing aerospace workforce and self-reliance in defence technology. The announcement was made by Christophe Bruneau, Executive Vice President, Military Engines at Safran, who underlined the decision as a commitment to both India’s strategic autonomy and the global operational readiness of M88-equipped air forces.
“We are delighted to select Hyderabad as the first export maintenance facility dedicated to the M88,” Bruneau stated. “This project marks an important step in the development of Indian sovereignty in aerospace and defense, while demonstrating our commitment to developing a world-class MRO ecosystem for the benefit of all M88 operators.”
Why does the M88 Engine matter? The Safran M88 is a twin-shaft turbofan engine specifically developed for the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft. Compact, modular, and designed for high performance with low maintenance, the M88 provides 75 kilonewtons of thrust with afterburner and is known for its thrust-to-weight ratio, ease of operation, and digital control systems. It was developed as a scalable, export-friendly engine capable of supporting diverse mission profiles, from air superiority to ground attack and nuclear deterrence.
In India, the M88 is crucial to the Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF), with 36 jets currently operational and a potential additional order on the horizon under the government’s strategic acquisition programs. The M88’s lifecycle support and maintenance are vital to ensuring peak operational readiness of India’s frontline air defence systems.
Strategic synergies: The MRO shop in Hyderabad will draw on existing Safran facilities and infrastructure in India, including the upcoming LEAP engine MRO facility in the same region, one of the largest such facilities globally. This ecosystem-centric approach reflects Safran’s long-term plan to create a fully integrated aero-engine industrial base in India, encompassing both civil and military segments.
Hyderabad’s emergence as a premier aerospace and defence hub in India makes it a natural choice for the new M88 shop. The presence of HAL, DRDO, GMR Aerospace Park, and multiple global OEMs offers extensive synergy and supply chain integration opportunities.
The new MRO centre will not only serve Indian requirements but also cater to other M88 operators worldwide, positioning India as a critical node in the global maintenance network for military engines.
From “Make in India” to “Sustain in India”: Safran’s move is in line with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision and the broader push to deepen domestic aerospace capabilities. The announcement also reinforces the defence strategic partnership between India and France, which continues to grow through joint ventures, technology transfer agreements, and co-development programs.
“This milestone reinforces our long-term commitment to the Indian defence and engineering ecosystem. It marks a significant step in strengthening strategic and industrial partnerships of Safran in India,” noted Safran’s India leadership.
Safran’s decision also sends a clear signal of trust in India’s capability to handle cutting-edge aerospace technologies while creating high-skill employment in the country.
Quick Facts – M88 Engine & India:
•Engine Model: Safran M88-2
•Thrust: 75 kN with afterburner
•Aircraft: Dassault Rafale (used by the French Air Force, the Indian Air Force, Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, and others)
•India Connection: Powers all 36 Rafale jets in IAF’s Golden Arrows and Rafale squadrons
•Notable Traits: High thrust-to-weight ratio, low maintenance design, digital engine control
