The HAL and SAFHAL collaboration will focus on the design, development, manufacture, and support of the Aravalli engine.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd — a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, has signed a major airframer contract for strengthening India’s aerospace & defence sector. The collaboration will focus on the design, development, manufacture, and support of the Aravalli engine—a high-power propulsion system tailored for the 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both Helicopters developed by the HAL.
The name “Aravalli,” inspired by the ancient and formidable mountain range in India, reflects the nation’s ambition to achieve self-reliance in critical engine technologies, known as Aatmanirbharta. This milestone partnership between SAFHAL and HAL represents a significant advancement in India’s quest for technological independence in the aerospace sector.
The contract was signed by Mr. S Anbuvelan, CEO Helicopter Complex, HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL and EVP, OEM Sales and Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines and Mr S K Mehta, Director, SAFHAL and Executive Director (Finance).
C B Ananthakrishnan, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, stated, “This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector. This collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.”
Under this strategic agreement SAFHAL, delivery of cutting-edge engine technologies, with superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency is the mission at hand. The use of state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols will be implemented to achieve global standards in the critical helicopter engines segment.
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, added, “We are extremly proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France. Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, while contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace & defence sector. Together, we remain fully dedicated to our customers in India. We look forward to designing, producing and supporting those new efficient helicopter engines.”
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IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH (Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter), is also being developed for the Indian Navy. The engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments. Plans in the future include entering the civil aerospace for offshore operations, Utility, VVIP transport as also related MRO activities.
