Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero have joined forces to advance European sovereignty by developing the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), a new 100% European engine intended for military rotorcraft entering service around 2040. This strategic partnership was formalized during the Paris Air Show with a long-term agreement.
The companies agree that Europe’s armed forces need an engine combining advanced design maturity with affordable operating and maintenance expenses. Development responsibilities will be evenly shared between the three partners, forming the core of an expanded European alliance that will include other participants from the continent.
This collaboration builds on recent milestones: Safran and MTU announced their cooperation on a helicopter engine in 2023 and formed EURA, a joint venture equally owned by both firms, in 2024. Avio Aero now joins to contribute its military helicopter engine know-how.
During the ceremony, Sean White, Director at the European Defence Agency, highlighted the urgent importance of transnational industrial collaboration to secure Europe’s sovereignty and supply chain integrity.
Together, the partners will enhance the strength and relevance of their proposal for the European Defence Fund’s next-generation helicopter engine call, with EURA coordinating the submission due in October 2025.
The ENGHE engine will feature innovative technologies that substantially improve efficiency while reducing lifecycle costs. It will be well suited for the ENGRT and NGRC projects, providing future helicopters with enhanced range, speed, maneuverability, and availability. The engine will also deliver reduced fuel burn, compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and greater electric hybridization capabilities.
