Leading engine specialists Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero have teamed up to reinforce European sovereignty. The trio aims to develop the ENGHE (European Next Generation Helicopter Engine), a fully European-made engine for the continent’s next generation of military rotorcraft, expected to enter service around 2040. This collaboration was formalized with a long-term partnership agreement signed at the Paris Air Show.
The partners believe that European armed forces require an advanced engine featuring mature design and cost-effective operation and maintenance. To achieve this, the development tasks will be equally divided among Safran, MTU, and Avio Aero. Their alliance will serve as the foundation for a broader, long-term European partnership that will include other nations.
This strengthened partnership reflects significant progress in the past two years: Safran and MTU announced their joint helicopter engine project in 2023 and established EURA (European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance), a 50/50 joint venture, last year. Avio Aero now adds its expertise in military helicopter engines to the consortium.
At the signing event, Sean White, Director for Industry, Synergies, and Enablers at the European Defence Agency, praised the collaboration and stressed the critical role of cross-border industrial cooperation in enhancing Europe’s sovereignty and supply chain resilience.
The partnership will strengthen the proposal’s competitiveness for the European Defence Fund’s call on next-generation helicopter engines. EURA will coordinate the submission planned for October 2025.
The ENGHE engine will incorporate cutting-edge technologies to boost efficiency while lowering operational and maintenance costs. Designed to complement the ENGRT and NGRC programs, it will offer future rotorcraft greater range, speed, maneuverability, and availability. Additional benefits include reduced fuel consumption, full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and advanced electric hybridization.
