New Delhi: HAL IMRH Programme is set to receive a major boost as the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected to approve the design and development phase of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). The project is a key part of India’s defence self-reliance strategy and aims to replace the ageing Mi-17 helicopter fleet used by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. The approval comes shortly after HAL and Safran finalized a contract to jointly develop the indigenous Aravalli helicopter engine.
CCS Approval Expected For HAL IMRH Programme
The Indian government is reportedly preparing to grant final approval for the IMRH development programme. The project recently received financial backing of around ₹13,500 crore, clearing an important hurdle before full-scale development begins.
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The IMRH is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a 13-tonne medium-lift helicopter designed to meet the future requirements of the Indian armed forces.
HAL has already invested substantial funds into the programme to accelerate early design work and technology development. The upcoming CCS approval is expected to formally move the project into advanced development and prototype creation.
Why India Needs The HAL IMRH Programme
One of the main goals of the IMRH programme is to gradually replace more than 240 Mi-17 helicopters currently serving with the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
The Mi-17 fleet has been a backbone of India’s military transport capability for decades. However, many helicopters are ageing and will require replacement over the coming years.
Multi-Mission Capability
The IMRH is being designed as a versatile platform capable of performing a wide range of military missions. These include:
- Tactical troop transport
- Air assault operations
- VIP and VVIP transport
- Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR)
- Casualty evacuation
- Heavy cargo transport
- Special operations support
The helicopter is also expected to carry external weapon systems for close air support missions.
Key Features Of The HAL IMRH Programme
The IMRH will be India’s first indigenous helicopter in the 13-tonne class. The helicopter is expected to feature a large 21.2-metre main rotor and will be optimized for operations in challenging environments, including the Himalayas and other high-altitude regions.
Enhanced Payload Capacity
According to available programme details, the helicopter will be capable of carrying heavy loads and transporting troops over long distances. The design also includes four weapon hardpoints capable of carrying up to 1,600 kg of armaments when required.
DBMRH: The Naval Version Of IMRH
HAL is also developing a naval version called the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) for the Indian Navy. The DBMRH will feature design changes that allow operations from aircraft carriers and frontline naval vessels.
Special folding rotor blades and a modified tail boom will enable the helicopter to fit inside compact naval hangars.
Boost To Naval Aviation
The naval variant is expected to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities by supporting anti-surface warfare, logistics missions, search-and-rescue operations, and troop transport at sea.
Aravalli Engine Marks Major Indigenous Milestone
A major breakthrough for the IMRH programme came on August 26, 2026, when HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines signed the final contract through their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd.
The agreement launches the development and production of the new-generation Aravalli turboshaft engine, which will power both the IMRH and DBMRH helicopters.
Powerful 3,500–4,000 SHP Engine
The Aravalli engine belongs to the 3,500–4,000 shaft-horsepower class and is specifically being developed to meet India’s future helicopter requirements. The programme is expected to significantly increase India’s expertise in helicopter engine technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
HAL IMRH Programme Development Timeline
The Aravalli engine is expected to undergo several years of development, testing, and certification before entering operational service. The engine will be one of the most advanced helicopter powerplants ever developed in India.
Helicopter Development
Following CCS approval, HAL is expected to proceed with prototype development, ground testing, and flight trials. The programme is seen as one of India’s most important indigenous aerospace projects of the next decade.
Strategic Importance For India
The IMRH programme supports India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision in defence manufacturing. Beyond replacing ageing helicopters, the project is expected to strengthen the domestic aerospace industry, create high-skilled jobs, and build critical helicopter design and engine-development expertise within India.
The combination of the IMRH airframe and the indigenous Aravalli engine could become a major milestone in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance.
FAQs
The Aravalli is a new-generation 3,500–4,000 SHP helicopter engine being jointly developed by HAL and Safran through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd.
The Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) is a 13-tonne indigenous medium-lift helicopter being developed by HAL for the Indian armed forces to replace ageing Mi-17 helicopters.
The programme will strengthen India’s defence self-reliance, replace older helicopters, support military operations across different terrains, and boost indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
