Few people know it, but France is the only country in Europe capable of building fighter jet engines with such precision, thanks to the DGA

When it comes to France’s air power, most people only hear about the Rafale fighter jet. But the real strength lies elsewhere – in the M88 engines and the team behind them, which keeps this jet flying. At the heart of this is the DGA (Direction générale de l’armement), the French defense procurement and technology agency, which, in collaboration with engine manufacturer Safran, ensures France remains independent and competitive in its air power capabilities.

Saclay Test Center: Europe’s Unique Facility

Located south of Paris, the DGA test center in Saclay is considered unique in Europe. Here, an environment is created that mimics real flight conditions – at extreme altitudes, high speeds, and under complex atmospheric conditions. This means France can precisely test and refine its fighter jet engines, something currently not possible for any other European country.

The primary objective of this capability at Saclay is not simply to improve the engine. Rather, it is to ensure that critical engine components can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, that fuel consumption is minimized, and that the entire supply chain remains under French control.

Preparing for the Future at the Saclay Test Bay

Since the autumn of 2025, DGA teams have been testing the next versions of the M88 engine. The engine is run under conditions that closely resemble actual flight, such as a Rafale jet flying at Mach 1.5 at an altitude of 15,000 meters.

At the Saclay center, temperature, pressure, and humidity can be controlled with great precision. Technicians can simulate conditions like flying the jet in thin, cold air, and sometimes subject the engine to intense stress by suddenly introducing hot air. This is called “accelerated aging,” allowing engineers to observe the effects of years of flight in just a few hours.

After each test, the engine is disassembled, and its components undergo microscopic and in-depth analysis. Any cracks, deformations, or discoloration are fed back into the design models, ensuring that future engines are even more robust and reliable.

Turenne Program: The Engine’s Heat Challenge

France’s next major technological initiative is the Turenne program, conducted in collaboration with the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments) and Safran. Its focus is on the hottest and most critical part of the engine – the high-pressure turbine.

The high-pressure turbine is located directly behind the combustion chamber of a jet engine, where temperatures can reach 1,800°C. Here, small blades, called “aubes” in French, rotate at extremely high speeds. Any failure in this section could jeopardize the entire flight.

In Turenne, engineers are increasing the turbine’s resilience using advanced ceramics, new metal superalloys, and protective coatings. The goal is to make the engine more powerful and fuel-efficient. Testing at Saclay helps engineers determine which materials can withstand real-world conditions.

France’s Unique Position in Europe

While the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain have strong aerospace industries, France is the only country in Europe capable of designing, testing, and manufacturing a complete modern fighter jet engine. This club is typically limited to the US, Russia, and increasingly, China.

The Saclay center and Safran’s manufacturing capabilities mean that France can:

• Scale up new materials from the lab to full engine parts
• Validate designs in realistic combat conditions without foreign assistance
• Protect sensitive data within a national security framework
• Ensure spare parts and upgrades without external dependence

This control means France does not require foreign approval to modify, export, or upgrade its engines.

No Let-Up in the Global Race

France is working on a successor to the M88 engine, but other countries around the world are also making progress. The US is developing “adaptive cycle engines,” China is testing the WS-15, and Russia is working on the Saturn 30 engine for the Su-57.

In this competitive landscape, the work at Saclay is crucial for France. If France were to lose control, it could impact the capabilities and strategic influence of its fighter aircraft.

Furthermore, the efficiency of modern engines not only enhances combat capabilities but also demonstrates environmental responsibility by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

From Metallurgy to Sovereignty

Behind the technical details lies a political message: complete control and autonomy. France wants its fighter jets to remain operational and exportable when needed, regardless of how global trade or political relations evolve.

The Turenne program is a prime example of this. The French government funds the research and sets strategic objectives, Safran provides industrial expertise, and the DGA conducts testing and validation. This results in tangible hardware used in both the Rafale and future aircraft.

International Cooperation and Strategy

France is not alone. In 2025, the DGA expanded cooperation with India’s DRDO in sensitive areas such as military AI, cyber defense, propulsion technology, and advanced materials. There are also limited or experimental partnerships with agencies from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan.

This collaboration helps share costs, accelerate innovation, and maintain control over strategic technologies.

The Importance of Saclay: Technology, Power, and the Future

The Saclay test center is not just a technical laboratory; That’s right. This is a place where high-tech materials, cutting-edge testing, and national sovereignty converge. In future battles, the side that can keep its aircraft flying longer, with less fuel and less maintenance, will gain a clear strategic advantage. France is investing with the belief that rigorous testing, advanced materials, and complete control will position it to compete globally in the next generation of fighter aircraft.

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