The Safran and HAL JV will design, develop, produce, sell, and support helicopter engines, and propulsion solutions for the future 13-ton IMRH and its naval variant, DBMRH.
Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have announced their decision to establish a joint venture company in Bangalore, India. The joint venture will focus on the design, development, production, sales, and support of helicopter engines, with the initial objective of creating the most suitable propulsion solution for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s future 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) and its naval variant, DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter). This collaboration marks India’s first in-house engine design and manufacturing endeavor.
The establishment of the joint venture follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 8, 2022, and a workshare agreement reached between the two companies during Aero India 2023. The partnership between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL reinforces the strategic roadmap for aerospace development between India and France and aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” particularly in defense technologies. The joint venture represents a natural progression in the strong and growing relationship between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL.
Cedric Goubet, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines said, “We at Safran Helicopter Engines are truly elated to partner with HAL and India to craft this new turboshaft engine joint venture set to address the Indian market and also future export opportunities. It marks a turning point in not only the longstanding relationship between our two companies but also between India and France. Together we will remain fully dedicated to our customers in India, proud to designing and producing new efficient helicopter engines.”
Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL already have a successful history of partnerships in helicopter powerplants, including the Shakti engine, which powers HAL-produced helicopters such as the Dhruv, Rudra, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH Prachand). With over 500 Shakti engines already manufactured, the new joint venture expands the scope of cooperation and explores opportunities for strategic collaboration, capitalizing on the complementary strengths and capabilities of the two aviation companies.
C.B. Ananthkrishnan, CMD, HAL said: “Safran Helicopter Engines has been our valued partner for several decades. We both have embarked on a new journey, leveraging HAL’s experience in manufacturing of more than 15 types of aircraft and helicopter engines and Safran Helicopter Engines’ expertise in desiging turboshaft engines. The objective is to co-develop and co-produce turboshaft engines in India – with immediate focus on IMRH and DBMRH. This partnership will engage and harness the Indian Defence manufacturing ecosystem towards realising Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of our Honble PM.”
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Additionally, through the HE-MRO joint venture in Goa, Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for TM333 and Shakti engines serving the Indian Armed Forces. The establishment of the joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL demonstrates their commitment to advancing the Indian aerospace industry, promoting self-reliance, and meeting the growing demand for advanced helicopter engines in the region.
