U.S. military school delegation gains first-hand perspectives from visits to Safran sites in France

This visit, which included military and civilian leaders from across the US government, provided Safran companies an opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge innovations and to demonstrate how they are driving growth, sustainability, and operational excellence. 

The Eisenhower School educates joint warfighters and other national security leaders for strategic leadership and success in analyzing national security strategy and in evaluating, marshaling, and managing resources to execute that strategy. The Eisenhower School is a part of the National Defense University, which prepares U.S. military, interagency, private sector, and international leaders to outthink, out-decide, and outfight adversaries by creating within them the asymmetric cognitive advantage necessary to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war. 

The delegation kicked off its visit on April 9 at Safran Helicopter Engines, the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines. At the company’s headquarters in Bordes, Frédéric Dalakupeian, Head of Public Affairs, hosted the visitors for a presentation and tour. Delegation members were given an in-depth look at the site’s operations, which include the assembly of series production engines; the manufacture of subassemblies; and the design and development of new engines.

Safran Helicopter Engines supports 1,325 engines in service across the U.S. through its Grand Prairie, Texas location, powering the U.S. Army's UH-72 Lakota; the U.S. Coast Guard's Airbus MH-65 Dolphin; as well as helicopters operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The company will be celebrating 45 years of operation in Texas this year.

Safran Nacelles Colomiers in the Toulouse region was the next stop for the group of military and industry leaders. On April 11, Site Director Xavier Durupt hosted the group during a tour showcasing the 54,000 sq. meter facility. This visit showcased Safran Nacelles’ operational excellence – from nacelle podding and engine integration to research and development, design, and customer support and services.

Safran Nacelles serves its customers in the Americas through a shop in Indianapolis, Indiana, providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial and business jet nacelles. 

The Eisenhower School’s visit was an opportunity for Safran to showcase our advanced industrial capabilities and the importance of U.S. programs.  This is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the company connections with universities and defense industry leaders. This followed a similar visit by an Eisenhower School delegation to Safran locations in France during 2024.