Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with their joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. for the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of the new-generation Aravalli helicopter engine.
The high-power engine will be developed in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class and is planned to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
HAL and Safran Advance Aravalli Engine Programme
The contract was signed by Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL, and Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines.
The signing ceremony was presided over by Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, and Cedric Goubet, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines.
The agreement covers the complete lifecycle of the engine, including:
- Design and development
- Manufacturing and supply
- Lifecycle support
- Development of indigenous aerospace capabilities
- Support for next-generation Indian helicopter platforms
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Aravalli Engine to Power IMRH and Naval DBMRH
The 3,500-4,000 shp Aravalli engine has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming helicopter platforms.
The key applications include:
- Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) — a 13-ton class helicopter
- Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) — the naval variant of the platform
The programme is expected to provide a dedicated high-power propulsion solution for India’s next-generation helicopter requirements.
HAL CMD Ravi K said the contract signing marks a significant step towards India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. He added that the Aravalli programme will support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH while contributing to a stronger domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.
Strategic Push for Indigenous Aero-Engine Technology
Named after the Aravalli mountain range, the Aravalli engine programme is significant for India’s efforts to develop greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies. For Safran Helicopter Engines, the programme also marks an important development, as it is the company’s first co-development of an engine in this power class.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced helicopter engine development and support the growth of domestic aerospace manufacturing and maintenance capabilities.
Engine Has Potential Beyond Military Applications
While the Aravalli engine will initially support India’s military and naval helicopter programmes, the technology could also have potential applications in the civil sector.
Possible applications include:
- Offshore transportation
- Utility missions
- VVIP transportation
- Other high-power helicopter operations
The programme is also expected to strengthen indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India, helping build a broader ecosystem around helicopter propulsion technology.
Long-Standing HAL-Safran Partnership
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have a long-standing association in the helicopter propulsion sector.
Safran has previously supplied Artouste engines for HAL’s Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The companies have also collaborated on the Shakti engine family, which powers platforms including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
The Aravalli programme takes this partnership into a new generation of high-power helicopter engines, with a greater focus on co-development and indigenous capabilities.
A Step Towards India’s Aerospace Self-Reliance
The final contract strengthens the strategic partnership between HAL and Safran and advances the development of a new-generation propulsion system for India’s future helicopter platforms.
The programme is expected to contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat by supporting domestic aerospace manufacturing, technology development, lifecycle support and MRO capabilities while creating a stronger industrial base for advanced helicopter engines.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Indian aerospace and defence company and a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Bengaluru, HAL is involved in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of a wide range of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines and related aerospace systems.
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