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FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom — Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow to jointly explore cooperation on existing and emerging vertical-lift platforms.
The pact, signed by Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, and Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines, expands a decadeslong relationship and sets the stage for collaboration on power and propulsion technologies for Sikorsky’s next-generation aircraft. The companies say the effort is intended to speed design cycles, shorten proposal timelines, and deliver faster, higher-performance solutions for commercial and defense customers worldwide.
“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. “When we collaborate across industry from day one, we empower our customers with the speed of decision-making and the confidence that the final aircraft will meet performance, safety and schedule requirements.”
“We are particularly pleased to have signed this agreement with Sikorsky. 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. “As the world leader in helicopter propulsion and pioneer of hybrid-electric propulsion, our products and services would provide an unrivalled competitive advantage for Sikorsky’s future helicopters.”
The agreement builds on 40 years of collaboration centered on the Sikorsky S-76, with more than 1,230 Safran engines delivered and nearly 10 million flight hours accumulated. The companies said they have begun identifying opportunities across new and existing rotary-wing platforms as well as unmanned aerial systems.
Safran describes itself as an international high-technology group operating in aviation, defense and space, with a stated purpose focused on safer, more sustainable air transport. The company reports a global workforce exceeding 110,000, 2025 revenue of 31.3 billion euros, and listings on Euronext Paris as part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices. Safran Helicopter Engines says it has produced more than 75,000 engines, offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts, and serves over 2,500 customers in 155 countries.
