Safran, MTU, and Avio Aero to jointly develop new European engine for future military rotorcraft

The ENGHE is scheduled to power Europe’s next generation military rotorcraft from around 2040. The new engine will be entirely European and will feature advanced technology with reduced fuel consumption, full compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel, and enhanced electric hybridisation.

The development effort will be evenly shared among the three partners, who aim to provide European armed forces with a high-performance, cost-effective and mature engine solution. This initiative builds on the 2023 formation of the 50/50 joint venture EURA (European Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance) between Safran and MTU.

Avio Aero now joins this alliance, bringing additional expertise in turboshaft engine development for military helicopters. The partners intend to respond to a European Defence Fund call for a future helicopter engine, with EURA coordinating the joint proposal to be submitted in October 2025.

Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, stated: “We are delighted to extend our cooperation in the field of future military helicopter engines with Avio Aero. The next step in this decisive cooperation to strengthen Europe’s autonomy in the field of defence and security will be to respond to the specific call for a future helicopter engine within the European Defence Fund, with the versatile European team of top European aerospace partners that has already been set up under the coordination of EURA.”

Michael Schreyögg, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines, added: “Achieving breakthrough success requires a strong alliance of industry leaders from across the continent. The fact that Avio Aero, MTU and Safran have joined forces underlines the importance of this program in further reinforcing European sovereignty and strengthening the European supply chain.”

Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero, commented: “We are proud to join forces with Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines to collaborate on the development of a European turboshaft engine that will power the next generation military rotorcraft. This agreement is a major opportunity for the aerospace industry to work together in support of Europe’s strategic autonomy and technological leadership.”

During the signing ceremony, Sean White, Director for Industry, Synergies and Enablers at the European Defence Agency, commended the companies for their collaboration. He emphasised the urgency and significance of cross-border industrial cooperation in reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty and supply chain resilience.

The future ENGHE is expected to support key European defence initiatives such as the ENGRT (European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies) and NGRC (Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability) programmes. The engine will offer greater range, higher speed, improved manoeuvrability and increased availability for future European rotorcraft.