Farnborough Agreement Builds on 40 Years of Sikorsky-Safran Helicopter Collaboration

Farnborough Agreement Builds on 40 Years of Sikorsky-Safran Helicopter Collaboration

(IN BRIEF) Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow to explore expanded cooperation on existing and future vertical lift platforms. The partnership will focus on power and propulsion technologies for Sikorsky’s next-generation aircraft, with the aim of accelerating design cycles, shortening proposal timelines and delivering higher-performance solutions for commercial and defence customers. The agreement builds on 40 years of collaboration between the companies, including support for the Sikorsky S-76® helicopter. Safran has delivered more than 1,230 engines for the platform, which has logged nearly 10 million flight hours.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 22-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed an agreement to explore new areas of cooperation across existing and future vertical lift platforms.

The agreement was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow and was signed by Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky, and Cédric Goubet, President of Safran Helicopter Engines.

The collaboration builds on a relationship between the two companies that spans several decades and creates a framework for future work on power and propulsion technologies for Sikorsky’s next-generation aircraft.

Sikorsky and Safran said the agreement is intended to accelerate design cycles, reduce proposal turnaround times and support faster delivery of high-performance solutions to customers in commercial and defence markets worldwide.

Benton said the partnership reflects Lockheed Martin’s commitment to working with European industry to enhance the systems it provides.

“This is a great example of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to partnering with the European industry to enhance the systems we provide that deliver high performance, reliable mission capabilities,” said Benton.

He added that collaboration from the earliest stages helps customers make decisions more quickly and gives them confidence that final aircraft will meet performance, safety and schedule requirements.

Goubet said Safran Helicopter Engines is pleased to deepen its relationship with Sikorsky, noting the strong history between the two companies.

“Our two companies share a particularly strong history, and our engines have powered several of their helicopters, including notably the S-76. There are still new chapters to be written,” said Goubet.

He added that, as a global leader in helicopter propulsion and a pioneer in hybrid-electric propulsion, Safran’s products and services can provide a competitive advantage for Sikorsky’s future helicopter programmes.

The agreement builds on 40 years of collaboration supporting the Sikorsky S-76® helicopter.

More than 1,230 Safran engines have been delivered for the platform, which has accumulated nearly 10 million flight hours.

The companies have already begun identifying potential areas for cooperation, including new and existing rotary-wing platforms and unmanned aerial systems.

Sikorsky and Safran said the expanded collaboration will support the development of future vertical lift capabilities and strengthen the long-standing industrial relationship between the two companies.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with more than 110,000 employees and revenue of 31.3 billion euros in 2025, and holds, alone or in partnership, global or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries.

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at lockheedmartin.com.

Media Contact:

François Julian
Safran Helicopter Engines
francois.julian@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran