Hical Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Safran Aerosystems to explore establishing a joint venture for manufacturing complex systems for the Dassault Rafale programme in India. The Bengaluru-based precision electromechanical manufacturer said the proposed venture would support the production of advanced equipment for Rafale aircraft delivered under the Make in India initiative. The proposed operations would include complex fluid and fuel systems and related assemblies. The agreement is intended to expand the role of Indian industry in global aerospace and defence supply chains while strengthening Safran Aerosystems’ engagement with private-sector manufacturing partners in India. Joel Berkoukchi, chief executive officer of Safran Aerosystems’ Fluid and Fuel Systems Division, said the partnership would support the development of India’s private-sector aerospace ecosystem. He indicated that Hical’s expanding capacity, including its new facility in Devanahalli, would help meet the quality, scale and manufacturing requirements associated with Rafale systems and other critical equipment. The MoU builds on Hical’s existing participation in the Rafale ecosystem. The company has already been selected to work directly with Dassault Aviation on control systems for the Rafale programme. The proposed venture would allow Hical to broaden its involvement in complex systems manufacturing and contribute to India’s movement up the aerospace value chain. The announcement follows the recent inauguration of Hical’s aerospace manufacturing facility in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru. The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to build the scale, technical capability and manufacturing depth needed for advanced aerospace and defence programmes serving customers in India and overseas. Hical Managing Director Yashas Jaiveer said the company would combine Safran’s technology expertise with its growing Indian manufacturing footprint to produce critical aerospace systems competitively for global markets. Hical Technologies specialises in high-precision electromechanical systems for aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturers. The company said it supports India’s growing aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision through engineering, industrialisation and production capabilities.