It appears there isn't one single "Landmark" pact, but rather a series of evolving agreements and discussions, some recent (February 2025, May 2025) and some dating back to an MoU in 2021 and 2023.

Here's a summary of the findings:

• Focus of recent agreements (2023, 2025): These seem to be more centered around the LEAP engine (for commercial aircraft) and the M88 engine (powering the Rafale fighter jet). This includes manufacturing of forged parts by HAL for these engines and establishing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities. This aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative.
• Discussions for future combat aircraft engines: There are active and recent (May 2025) discussions and proposals from Safran to collaborate on developing advanced jet engines for India's future fighter programs, specifically the Tejas Mark 2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This includes potential full technology transfer (ToT) and co-development of higher thrust engines (110 kN to 120 kN).
• Context of India's challenges: India has faced significant challenges in indigenously developing jet engines (e.g., the Kaveri engine). There are also reported delays and issues with existing engine suppliers (like GE for Tejas engines), prompting India to diversify its partnerships.
• "Landmark" connotation: The term "Landmark" was used in an EurAsian Times OPED referring to a February 2021 MoU, emphasizing its potential for self-reliance and co-development, particularly for the M88 and future high-thrust engines.

The existing information strongly suggests that the Safran-HAL collaboration is multifaceted and evolving. The more recent discussions regarding co-development of engines for Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, if they come to fruition with full ToT, hold the most revolutionary potential for India's combat aviation.

To fully answer the user's question, the subsequent steps should focus on:

1. Clarifying if there is a specific, officially designated "Landmark" pact beyond the media's use of the term, or if it refers to the overall strategic direction of the partnership, particularly the potential for future combat engine co-development.
2. Delving deeper into the specific technological advancements that a full Safran partnership on combat engines would bring to India, compared to its current capabilities and other ongoing collaborations (like with GE).
3. Gathering more specific expert opinions on the transformative potential versus the challenges and risks involved in such a high-technology collaboration.

However, based on the current findings, we have a good foundation to address the user's request. The existing information strongly indicates a potential revolution, contingent on the finalization and successful execution of the more ambitious co-development and ToT aspects for combat aircraft engines.

Given this, I will proceed with synthesizing the information to answer the user's question, highlighting the different facets of the collaboration and its potential impact. I believe I have enough information to provide a comprehensive answer without further searches, as the current results cover the scope, objectives, status, and expert commentary regarding the Safran-HAL pacts and their potential impact.

Safran-HAL Jet Engine Pact: A Potential Game-Changer for Indian Combat Aviation

New Delhi, India - A series of agreements and deepening collaborations between French aerospace giant Safran and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are poised to significantly impact India's combat aviation capabilities, potentially heralding a new era of self-reliance and technological advancement in a critical sector. While there isn't a single, officially termed "Landmark" pact, the evolving nature of their partnership, particularly recent discussions around co-developing advanced fighter jet engines with full technology transfer, holds revolutionary promise for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the nation's aerospace ecosystem.

The collaboration spans several fronts. Recent agreements in early 2025 have solidified HAL's role in the global supply chain for Safran's LEAP commercial aircraft engines and the M88 engines that power the Rafale fighter jets. These involve the manufacturing of critical engine parts by HAL in India and the establishment of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, aligning with India's "Make in India" ambitions.

However, the most transformative aspect of the Safran-HAL engagement lies in the ongoing discussions, notably active as of May 2025, concerning the joint design, development, and production of next-generation fighter jet engines. These discussions are reportedly centered on powering India's future air combat platforms, including the Tejas Mark 2 and the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Safran has reportedly offered a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for a new engine in the 110-120 kN thrust class, a crucial requirement for these advanced aircraft.

India has historically faced significant hurdles in developing indigenous jet engine technology, exemplified by the long-gestating Kaveri engine project. The IAF's combat fleet has largely relied on foreign-sourced engines, leading to dependencies and occasional supply chain vulnerabilities. Delays and issues with current engine suppliers for aircraft like the Tejas have further underscored the strategic imperative for India to achieve greater self-sufficiency in this domain.

Potential for Revolutionizing India's Combat Aviation:

• Technological Leap: Full technology transfer and co-development with a leading global engine manufacturer like Safran would provide India with invaluable expertise in complex areas such as metallurgy, advanced aerodynamics, and engine core design. This could allow India to leapfrog several generations of engine technology.
• Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat): Successfully developing and producing indigenous high-performance jet engines would be a monumental step towards India's goal of self-reliance in defence. It would reduce import dependency, save foreign exchange, and enhance strategic autonomy.
• Boost to Indigenous Fighter Programs: The availability of a powerful, domestically produced engine is critical for the success and timely induction of the Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation AMCA. It would allow for better integration and optimization of the engine with the airframe.
• Enhanced Export Potential: Mastering jet engine technology could eventually open up export opportunities for Indian-made fighter aircraft and engines.
• Development of Aerospace Ecosystem: Such a collaboration would spur the growth of a wider domestic aerospace ecosystem, including ancillary industries, research institutions, and skilled manpower.

Challenges and Considerations:

Despite the immense potential, the path to revolutionizing India's combat aviation through this partnership is not without challenges:

• Complexity of Technology Transfer: Absorbing and operationalizing advanced jet engine technology is a complex and lengthy process that requires significant investment in infrastructure and human capital.
• Execution and Timelines: Large-scale defence projects are often prone to delays. Adhering to stringent timelines and ensuring effective project management will be crucial.
• Financial Investment: The development of a new jet engine is a highly capital-intensive undertaking.
• Geopolitical Factors: International collaborations of this nature can be influenced by geopolitical dynamics.

The Road Ahead:

The Safran-HAL jet engine collaboration, particularly if it culminates in a comprehensive agreement for the co-development of advanced combat engines with full technology transfer, has the undeniable potential to be a landmark achievement for India. It addresses a long-standing critical gap in the country's defence manufacturing capabilities.

While the agreements concerning LEAP and M88 engine parts and MRO are significant steps in building industrial cooperation, the true revolution hinges on the successful fructification of the more ambitious plans for next-generation fighter engines. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining the ultimate scope and success of this strategic partnership and its ability to redefine India's standing in global combat aviation.