Safran is investing 120 million euros in Montluçon and plans to create more than 150 jobs.

The French group Safran is continuing to strengthen its industrial capabilities in the defense sector. Its CEO, Olivier Andriès, announced a €120 million investment at its Montluçon site in the Allier region, accompanied by the creation of more than 150 jobs in the coming years. This decision comes in the context of a sharp increase in demand for the high-tech military equipment produced by the group.

The Montluçon plant occupies a strategic position within Safran's defense division. The site manufactures, in particular, precision guidance systems used on the AASM Hammer, the modular air-to-ground weapon developed by the group, as well as hemispherical resonance gyroscopes. This equipment enables precise navigation and guidance without relying on satellite networks, an advantage that has become essential in the face of the increasing risks of electronic jamming in theaters of operation.

Thanks to this investment, Safran plans to triple its production capacity of hemispherical resonance gyroscopes. Annual production is expected to increase from 10.000 units currently to nearly 30.000 by 2032. These components are currently used in several French strategic programs, including systems related to nuclear deterrence, Caesar howitzers, military land vehicles, and certain equipment onboard warships.

Military production is rapidly accelerating.

This surge in production is directly linked to the evolving international geopolitical landscape. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, demand for precision weaponry has accelerated sharply. Production of the AASM Hammer illustrates this trend: it has increased from approximately 200 units per year in 2022 to nearly 1.400 units expected in 2026. Faced with this increased demand, Safran is seeking to secure its supply chains while strengthening its industrial sovereignty.

Beyond its military significance, this project represents a major economic opportunity for the Montluçon employment area. The more than 150 announced recruitments are expected to involve qualified professionals in the fields of engineering, electronics, precision mechanics, and industrial production. This investment also confirms Safran's commitment to maintaining and developing its strategic activities in France.

The European defense industry is experiencing a phase of unprecedented expansion. European states are increasing their investments in military capabilities and sovereignty equipment, offering major groups in the sector, such as Safran, prospects for sustainable growth in the years to come.