Safran to set up maintenance centre for Rafale’s M88 engine in Hyderabad
In a significant development for the Indian aerospace industry, France-based Safran Aerospace has announced plans to set up a maintenance centre for the M88 engine, which powers the Rafale fighter jet, in Hyderabad, Telangana. This new entity, Safran Aircraft Engine Services India, will focus on the maintenance and overhaul of the M88 engines, a critical component of the Rafale fighter jet.
The announcement is expected to create a significant impact on the Indian job market, with the Telangana government estimating that the new centre will generate 150 new jobs by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the government expects that the centre will create an additional 750 positions in subsequent phases, making it a significant contributor to the state’s economic growth.
The M88 engine is a high-performance, dual-spool, afterburning turbofan engine that powers the Rafale fighter jet. The engine is designed to provide high thrust at high altitude and low airspeeds, making it an ideal choice for the Rafale’s aerobatic capabilities. The engine’s unique design features include a high-pressure compressor and a high-temperature turbine, which enable it to produce high thrust-to-weight ratios.
Safran Aircraft Engine Services India will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the M88 engines, ensuring that they continue to meet the high standards required by the Indian Air Force. The centre will employ skilled technicians and engineers who will work on the engines, ensuring that they are in good working condition and ready for deployment.
The establishment of the maintenance centre is a significant win for the Indian aerospace industry, as it will provide a dedicated facility for the maintenance and overhaul of the M88 engines. This will not only ensure that the engines are properly maintained but also reduce the dependence on foreign facilities for maintenance and repair.
The centre will also provide a boost to the local economy, with the creation of new jobs and opportunities for growth. The centre is expected to attract a range of professionals, including engineers, technicians, and other skilled workers, who will work on the maintenance and overhaul of the M88 engines.
The Indian Air Force has been using the Rafale fighter jet since 2020, and the centre will play a critical role in ensuring that the engines are properly maintained and overhauled. The centre will work closely with the Indian Air Force to ensure that the engines are in good working condition and ready for deployment.
The establishment of the centre is also expected to attract other aerospace companies to set up shop in Hyderabad, further boosting the city’s reputation as a hub for the aerospace industry. The centre will provide a range of services, including engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as supply chain management and logistics.
The centre will be equipped with the latest technology and equipment, ensuring that the engines are properly maintained and overhauled. The centre will also have a team of skilled technicians and engineers who will work on the engines, ensuring that they are in good working condition and ready for deployment.
In conclusion, the establishment of Safran Aircraft Engine Services India in Hyderabad is a significant development for the Indian aerospace industry. The centre will provide a dedicated facility for the maintenance and overhaul of the M88 engines, creating new jobs and opportunities for growth. The centre will also work closely with the Indian Air Force to ensure that the engines are properly maintained and overhauled, further boosting the city’s reputation as a hub for the aerospace industry.
