Bengaluru, Feb 13 (Reporter) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a long-term contract with Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) for the development and supply of turbine forged parts for the LEAP engine programme. The agreement was formalised Wednesday during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. The contract follows an MoU signed in October 2023 between the two companies to foster industrial cooperation in commercial engine parts manufacturing, aligning with the Indian government's Make in India initiative. This marks the first contract under the partnership. As per the agreement, HAL will manufacture forged parts for the LEAP engine at its state-of-the-art Ring Rolling facility in the Foundry & Forge Division, Bengaluru, supporting the programme's global production ramp-up. The signing ceremony was attended by HAL's General Manager (Foundry & Forge Division), Anil Kumar, alongside Bangalore Complex CEO Jayakrishnan S, and Safran Aircraft Engines' Purchasing VP, Dominique Dupuy. Commenting on the development, HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil said, "Safran and HAL share a strong partnership, built over decades through the joint development of the ‘Shakti’ helicopter engine and the co-design of the IMRH engine. We are pleased to expand this collaboration by supplying critical Nickel Ring forgings for the LEAP engine." Expressing enthusiasm over the agreement, Safran Aircraft Engines' Purchasing VP Dominique Dupuy said, "We are committed to strengthening our partnership with HAL. This contract aligns with our 2023 agreement for the production of forged parts, ensuring continued industrial cooperation." India is currently the third-largest market for CFM engines, with 75% of the country’s commercial fleet powered by CFM units. Of the 500 aircraft operated by seven Indian airlines with CFM engines, over 370 are LEAP-powered, with over 2,000 engines on order. Safran Aircraft Engines continues to expand its presence in India, with five production units in operation and a sixth facility dedicated to LEAP engine maintenance planned in Hyderabad...////...