HAL and SAFHAL to Co-Develop Aravalli Engines for India’s Future Helicopters

• Set to Develop Engines for IMRH and DBMRH Platforms

New Delhi, 30 August 2024. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have entered into a partnership to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply, and support a new high-power engine, named Aravalli, for India’s Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). The Aravalli engine, named after the prominent mountain range in India, represents the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance in critical engine technologies as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The agreement was signed by S. Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex; Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Vice President of OEM Sales and Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines; and S.K. Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director of Finance at HAL.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director C B Ananthakrishnan stated, “This collaboration with SAFHAL is a key milestone in our quest for technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defense sector. It not only supports the operational needs of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also aligns with our broader goal of indigenous development of critical defense technologies.”

SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to the development and support of new-generation helicopter engines in India. This collaboration is a significant step for India’s aerospace and defense sector, aimed at bolstering the country’s self-reliance in helicopter engine technology.

Under this strategic agreement, SAFHAL will leverage the expertise of its parent companies to ensure the engines’ superior performance, reliability, and efficiency. The partnership includes advanced design and manufacturing processes, along with stringent testing to adhere to global standards.

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, remarked, “We are extremely proud to work with HAL on this strategic initiative, building on 25 years of successful partnership. This collaboration strengthens the relationship between India and France and supports the growth of India’s aerospace and defense sector. Together, we are committed to designing, producing, and supporting new, efficient helicopter engines for our customers in India.”

The IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces, while the 12.5-ton DBMRH is being developed for naval applications. The Aravalli engines are expected to perform reliably in diverse and challenging environments. There are also plans to extend these capabilities to the civilian market for offshore operations, utility tasks, VVIP transport, and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities.

Safran Helicopter Engines has a long-standing partnership with HAL, having powered several of its helicopters over the years. This new collaboration represents a significant evolution in their relationship, focusing on the joint development of state-of-the-art helicopter engines for medium-lift helicopters.