Safran unveils new high-thrust engine to power future Dassault Rafale upgrades
French aerospace and defense giant Safran has unveiled a new high-thrust engine that will power future Dassault Rafale upgrades, including the F5.
Safran announced on June 17, 2025, the evolution of its M88 engine with the introduction of the M88 T-REX which will be compatible with future standards of the Dassault Aviation Rafale.
“This engine will build on the proven reliability and performance of the M88, while taking it to new limits with a thrust increase to 9 metric tons with afterburner,” a spokesperson for Safran said.
The M88 T-REX will incorporate significant, targeted upgrades such as an improved low-pressure compressor which will allow for greater airflow intake.
The high-pressure turbine will incorporate new materials and next-generation cooling circuits and the nozzle will benefit from optimized aerodynamics.
[Communiqué de presse] Safran Aircraft Engines lance une version d’une poussée augmentée à 9 tonnes avec post-combustion du #M88, baptisée M88 T-REX. Cette version est destinée aux futures évolutions du #Rafale de @Dassault_OnAir. #SafranBourget #PAS25. https://t.co/UqI00IMMvl pic.twitter.com/E9ygV620rQ— Safran Aircraft Engines (@SafranEngines) June 17, 2025 “With these enhancements, the M88 T-REX will retain the key advantages of the current M88 in terms of size, modularity, fuel efficiency and cost of ownership, while delivering 20% more thrust,” the spokesperson explained.
Maintainability and fleet management will also be simplified thanks to compatibility between the modules of the M88 T-REX and those of the current M88.
“We’re proud to be launching this engine project, which will push the boundaries of the M88’s performance to meet the evolving needs of our armed forces customers in an increasingly unstable geopolitical context,” said Christophe Bruneau, EVP Military Engines, Safran Aircraft Engines. “Development of the M88 T-REX will also enable us to expand our technology portfolio, benefiting our entire product range and strengthening national sovereignty.”
Safran is currently conducting risk reduction studies ahead of the engine’s development. Qualification of the M88 T-REX is aligned with the planned entry into service of the Rafale F5 standard.
AeroTime editors and journalists are on the ground at Paris Air Show 2025 covering all the latest and biggest breaking news stories at this year’s event.
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French aerospace and defense giant Safran has unveiled a new high-thrust engine that will power future Dassault Rafale…
The post Safran unveils new high-thrust engine to power future Dassault Rafale upgrades appeared first on AeroTime.
