Safran and GAL Partner to Strengthen Support for UAE Mirage 2000 Fleet

Safran and GAL Partner to Strengthen Support for UAE Mirage 2000 Fleet

(IN BRIEF) Safran Aircraft Engines and Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide long-term support for the UAE Air Force & Air Defense’s Mirage 2000 fleet. The collaboration will ensure the operational readiness of the M53 engine fleet, combining Safran’s expertise with GAL’s in-country capabilities for seamless service delivery.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 20-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Safran Aircraft Engines has joined forces with UAE-based Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) to form a strategic partnership aimed at delivering comprehensive, world-class support for the fleet of M53 engines powering the UAE Air Force & Air Defense’s (UAE AFAD) Mirage 2000 aircraft. Announced during the 2025 International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), this collaboration combines Safran’s leading-edge expertise in aircraft engines with GAL’s robust experience in maintenance and logistics services.

The new partnership, called Global Service Solution (GSS), will span several years and focus on ensuring the sustained performance and operational readiness of the UAE AFAD’s Mirage 2000 fleet. By working together, Safran and GAL will anticipate and meet the maintenance needs of the M53 engine fleet, ensuring the uninterrupted service of the UAE AFAD’s aircraft.

Enhancing Operational Readiness and Efficiency
This collaboration enables Safran to strengthen its supply chain, securing the availability of parts and enhancing its maintenance facilities. Meanwhile, GAL will leverage its in-country capabilities to streamline maintenance and logistics operations, ensuring that service delivery is efficient and seamless. The long-term partnership will bolster the reliability and sustainability of the UAE AFAD’s operations, allowing for continuous mission readiness.

Mahmood Al Hay Al Hameli, CEO of GAL, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This agreement with Safran is a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting the UAE’s defense aviation capabilities. It reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class aerospace solutions and reinforces GAL’s position as a trusted partner in supporting national defense objectives.”

Christophe Bruneau, Executive Vice President of Military Engines at Safran Aircraft Engines, added: “We are excited to implement this unique maintenance agreement with GAL to support the UAE AFAD’s Mirage 2000-9 fleet. Our strong, trust-based relationship with GAL and the UAE armed forces is the foundation for this collaboration, and we are dedicated to providing them with the highest level of operational support for the M53 engine.”

A Long-Term Relationship Built on Trust
Safran’s relationship with the UAE stretches over 50 years, beginning with the supply of ATAR turbojet engines for Mirage III and Mirage 5 aircraft. Today, the UAE operates Mirage 2000-9 fighters, powered by Safran’s M53 engines. In 2021, the UAE also became the sixth export customer of the Rafale and its M88 engines, further solidifying the historical and strategic ties between Safran and the UAE.

The new partnership underscores the long-term collaboration between Safran, GAL, and the UAE, ensuring continued support for the nation’s military aviation needs and paving the way for future cooperation.

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 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world 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 Aircraft Engines designs, produces and sells, alone or in partnership, commercial and military aircraft engines offering world-class performance, reliability and environmental compliance. Through CFM International*, Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s leading supplier of engines for single-aisle mainline commercial jets.
*CFM International is a 50/50 joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.
Learn more: www.safran-group.com and www.safran-aircraft-engines.com

Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) is a leading provider of integrated aerospace and defense services, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Established in 2007 and 100% UAE-owned, GAL is the core service provider for the UAE Ministry of Defense and hold several maintenance and service contracts across the region. With a team of over 5,000 employees from 71 nationalities, GAL offers a wide range of military-specific support services including maintenance, overhaul, and inspections to ensure the operator’s assets are at peak mission readiness.

For more information, visit www.gal.ae   Follow GAL on social media: Instagram | X |  LinkedIn

Media Contact:

Charles Soret
Safran Aircraft Engines
+33 6 31 60 96 79
charles.soret@safrangroup.com

SOURCE: Safran