Rafale fighter jet engine supplier ready to abandon titanium from Russia

French aircraft engine manufacturer Safran has made so much progress in diversifying its titanium suppliers that it is now able to completely abandon Russian raw materials. This was announced at the annual press conference by the head of the company, Olivier Andries, reports Aviation Week.

Titanium raw materials remain critical for the European aviation industry, so the metal has not yet fallen under EU sanctions against Russia. Since 2022, Safran has consistently reduced its dependence on Russian titanium, but the company still uses it in some volumes, Olivier Andries admitted.

In the long term, the main source of titanium for military production will be Ecotitanium, a subsidiary of the French Aubert & Duval. The titanium chip recycling plant will reach full capacity in 2028. By 2030, Safran expects to balance supplies between Ecotitanium and partners in Japan and the USA. At the same time, Andries noted that prices from American suppliers remain very high.

Safran manufactures M88 engines for French Rafale fighters and is increasing production amid growing export orders. In January, it became known that Safran is investing €70 million in expanding the production of M88 components - the order portfolio for Rafale is about 220 aircraft.

At the same time, France continues to increase purchases of Russian titanium, breaking historical record. Last year, French importers imported raw materials for 129.9 million euros - 19.6% more than a year earlier.

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