To reinforce European sovereignty, Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero have formed a partnership to develop the ENGHE (European Next Generation Helicopter Engine), a fully European engine designed for next-generation military rotorcraft expected to enter service by 2040. This alliance was officially launched with a long-term agreement signed at the Paris Air Show.
The partners are convinced that European defense forces require a highly mature engine design that offers affordable operating and maintenance costs. The development work will be split equally among Safran, MTU, and Avio Aero, creating the nucleus of a wider European collaboration involving other countries.
This joint effort highlights the progress made over the past two years: Safran and MTU announced their helicopter engine partnership in 2023 and set up the EURA joint venture last year to jointly develop the engine. Avio Aero will now bring its expertise in military helicopter engines to the team.
At the signing, Sean White, European Defence Agency Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers, commended the agreement and emphasized the critical need for cross-border industrial cooperation to safeguard Europe’s sovereignty and secure its supply chains.
The partnership will strengthen the bid for the European Defence Fund’s next-generation helicopter engine call, with EURA leading the proposal due in October 2025.
The ENGHE engine will incorporate breakthrough technologies to dramatically improve efficiency and reduce operating and maintenance costs. Tailored for ENGRT and NGRC initiatives, it will provide next-gen helicopters with enhanced range, speed, agility, and availability. The engine will also feature reduced fuel consumption, full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and advanced electric hybridization.
