Safran Invests in Akira Technologies, CFM RISE Test Partner

Safran Corporate Ventures has acquired a minority stake in French test specialist Akira Technologies, securing a key prototyping partner involved in the hybrid-electric development of the CFM International RISE demonstrator engine. The investment, announced on September 22, 2026, aims to scale the production capabilities of Akira for next-generation aerospace and defense Propulsion systems.

In a press release issued by Safran Group, the company confirmed the funding round also included participation from European missile Manufacturers MBDA and the Definvest fund, which is managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA). Founded in 2003 and based in Bayonne, Europe, Akira Technologies currently generates €13 million in annual revenue and employs 70 people. The capital injection will support the transition of the company from prototyping to small- and medium-batch production.

Advancing the CFM RISE program

Akira Technologies has served as a critical testing partner for Safran, specifically tasked with assessing the hybrid-electric layout of the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) demonstrator. The RISE program, a joint venture initiative between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines under CFM International, targets a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to current Commercial-Aircraft engines.

The investment aligns with the broader push by Safran into Electric-Aviation propulsion. In July 2026, Safran launched the PHILEAS full-scale hybrid-electric demonstrator test campaign in Istres, France, to evaluate power extraction and injection technologies. Securing a stake in Akira ensures Safran maintains close integration with a specialized partner capable of agile development for these megawatt-class hybrid powertrains.

Defense applications and industrial sovereignty

Beyond commercial aviation, the funding round highlights the growing role of Akira in the defense sector. The involvement of MBDA and the DGA-backed Definvest fund points to strategic interests in the development of Drones propulsion systems and microturbines by Akira.

Florent Illat, CEO of Safran Corporate Ventures, stated that the investment strengthens a longstanding relationship and secures expertise in design and agile prototyping necessary for future aviation and defense needs.

“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,” said Sylvain Loumé, Managing Director of Akira Technologies. “It also represents a further tangible commitment on our part to building a French industrial sector that combines technological excellence, sovereignty and competitiveness.”

AirPro News analysis

We view the minority stake taken by Safran in Akira Technologies as a strategic move to insulate its supply chain and secure specialized engineering talent during a critical phase of the CFM RISE program. As engine manufacturers push the boundaries of open-fan architectures and hybrid-electric integration, the bottleneck often lies in rapid prototyping and bespoke test rigs. By bringing a trusted vendor closer into the corporate fold, Safran mitigates the risk of losing the bandwidth of Akira to competing aerospace or defense projects. The co-investment by MBDA and the French government further underscores a national strategy to keep critical propulsion technology development within domestic borders.

Sources: Safran Group