Safran ready to open India engine production in Rafale deal

PARIS: French engine maker Safran is ready to build an engine assembly line in India to meet the country’s requirements for local production as the French and Indian governments discuss the purchase of 114 more Rafale jets, its CEO said on Friday.

Safran, which makes M-88 engines for the Dassault Aviation jet, will also buy parts from local suppliers to support India’s aerospace industry, Olivier Andries told reporters.

India on Thursday gave initial clearance for procurements including Rafale and Boeing P-8I maritime patrol planes ahead of a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron next week.