Safran.AI, a subsidiary of French aerospace and defence group Safran, plans to establish its first international subsidiary in Singapore after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) on October 29, 2026. The partnership aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a strategic hub for Safran in Southeast Asia and establish a foundation for long-term cooperation.
The new entity, Safran.AI Singapore, will focus on developing artificial intelligence solutions for industrial applications, research and innovation. Its Centre of Excellence will initially concentrate on automating digital inspection to support Singapore’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) 4.0 ambitions. The initiative will support Safran, its partners and customers in the region.
The subsidiary will also draw on Singapore’s talent pool and academic ecosystem to advance research and innovation while serving Safran.AI customers across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Safran expects the new entity to grow to around 50 employees over the next five years. Recruitment is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with positions expected to include data scientists and AI engineers.
“Safran.AI Singapore marks a new step in our strategy, drawing on exceptional talent and a world-class aviation maintenance ecosystem,” said Sébastien Fabre, CEO of Safran.AI. He added that the company would build a team of engineers and data scientists to support its growth across Southeast Asia.
Philippe Errera, Executive Vice President of International Development and Government Affairs at Safran, said Singapore offers a business ecosystem, academic capabilities and government support that make it an attractive location for the company’s activities.
Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President at the Singapore Economic Development Board, said Safran’s decision to establish its first international AI subsidiary in the country reflects Singapore’s capabilities in advanced industrial technologies and AI innovation. She added that the partnership could support aerospace innovation and advanced manufacturing across the region while creating opportunities for local workers.
Safran has operated in Singapore for more than 45 years and employs around 900 people across five production, engineering and maintenance sites. The country serves as a key base for its Southeast Asian operations, particularly in MRO and customer support. The company has also recently expanded the industrial capabilities of its Safran Landing Systems MRO site in Singapore.
