Safran invests in Akira, specialists in propulsion technology development and prototyping

Safran, through its corporate venture capital subsidiary Safran Corporate Ventures, today announced that it has acquired a minority stake in Akira as part of the company's latest funding round. Safran joins existing investors MBDA and Definvest, an investment fund established by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and managed by French public investment bank Bpifrance. This strategic investment will support Akira's growth plans and help consolidate a key industrial partnership.

Founded in 2003 and located in Bayonne and Bergerac, France, Akira specializes in the design, prototyping and testing of high-performance propulsion systems and rotating machinery, including turbomachinery, piston engines, electric machines, transmissions, and pumps.

Akira is already a Safran partner, collaborating actively with Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Helicopter Engines and Safran Tech on major programmes, including the development and testing of the RISE demonstrator, as well as other research and technology (R&T) projects focusing on hybridization and hydrogen combustion. Akira is also a key partner in the design and manufacture of test benches.

This funding round will enable Akira to accelerate its business growth and transition toward small- and medium-batch production, with a focus on three key priorities:

– Expanding its production facilities and testing capabilities.

– Obtaining EN 9100 quality certification.

– Developing new market opportunities to scale up its activities in the drone propulsion and microturbine segments for defence applications.

Florent Illat, CEO of Safran Corporate Ventures, commented: "Investing in Akira enables Safran to strengthen a longstanding relationship built on trust. Akira brings extensive expertise, especially in design, prototyping and agile development, which is essential to accelerating the development of technologies for the future of aviation and meeting the growing needs of the defense sector."

Sylvain Loumé, Managing Director of Akira, said: "For a company working in mechanical engineering and engines, receiving such a vote of confidence from Safran is recognition of the expertise and efficiency of the Akira team. It also represents a further tangible commitment on our part to building a French industrial sector that combines technological excellence, sovereignty and competitiveness."