Wednesday, February 9 2005 19:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Leading French aerospace group, Snecma, today (Feb 9, 2005) said it is planning to form a joint venture company with Defence major HAL to produce parts for respective engines of both partners under an initial $ 10 million deal.

Snecma said it is also in talks with HAL for supply of its Larzac engines for HJT-36, an Intermediate Jet Trainer designed and developed by HAL to replace the existing Kiran aircraft of Indian Air Force for Stage II training of pilots.

The Joint Venture on the basis of 50:50 partnerships is awaiting Government clearance, Snecma chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Bechat announced on the sidelines of the Aero-India 2005 air show which began in Bangalore today (Feb 9, 2005).

He said the Bangalore-based Snecma Aerospace India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Snecma, would double its workforce to 300 "to start with" by the end of 2005.

On Larzac engine for HJT-36, he said it was already in service in the French and Belgium air forces, among other nations. "We are in talks with HAL for installation of Larzac engines in HJT-36", Francois Courtot, senior vice-president, International Development, Snecma, said.

Snecma group's Turbomeca, global leader in helicopter engines, has already signed three contracts with HAL, including one for co-development and co-production of "Shakti" engines to power "Dhruv", HAL built Advanced Light Helicopter.

Snecma is also working with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment for further development of "Kaveri" engine for Tejas, India's Light Combat Aircraft.