Bengaluru-based Hical Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with French aerospace company Safran Aerosystems to explore setting up a joint venture (JV) to manufacture complex systems for the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft programme in India. The proposed partnership aims to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing under the government’s Make in India initiative.
The proposed joint venture will focus on producing advanced fuel and fluid systems, along with related assemblies required for Rafale aircraft. These systems are critical to aircraft operations and require specialised engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement builds on Hical Technologies’ existing involvement in the Rafale programme. The company has already been selected to work directly with Dassault Aviation on control systems for the fighter aircraft. The proposed partnership with Safran could help Hical expand into more complex aerospace systems manufacturing.
Safran Aerosystems said Hical’s expanding manufacturing capacity would support the production requirements of advanced aircraft systems. Hical recently inaugurated a new aerospace manufacturing facility in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, to strengthen its capabilities in aerospace and defence production.
The collaboration reflects the growing participation of Indian private-sector companies in global aerospace and defence supply chains. By manufacturing more sophisticated aircraft systems locally, India aims to strengthen its industrial capabilities, develop specialised engineering expertise and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.
However, the MoU is an agreement to explore a potential joint venture, and the companies have not yet announced a final JV structure, investment amount or production timeline. If established, the venture could expand India’s contribution to the Rafale programme and strengthen its position as an aerospace manufacturing hub.
