Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to develop and manufacture a new generation of high-power helicopter engines named ‘Aravalli’. This strategic collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in aerospace and defence technology.
The Aravalli engines are designed for use in the 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopters, specifically the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), which are currently being developed by HAL. This partnership will focus on the joint design, development, manufacture, and support of these advanced engines.
The airframer contract was officially signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex, and Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP of Sales and Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines. Also present were SK Mehta, Director at SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, and Executive Director of Finance at HAL.
CB Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of HAL, emphasised the importance of this partnership in advancing India’s technological self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector.
He highlighted that the collaboration will not only boost the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of developing indigenous defence technologies.
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, underscored the value of combining expertise and resources with HAL to ensure the success of these critical programs. He expressed pride in continuing the 25-year partnership between Safran and HAL and looked forward to further enriching this relationship through the new project. Goubet noted that the partnership would support the growth of India’s aerospace and defence sectors, focusing on designing and producing efficient helicopter engines.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is committed to advancing the design, development, production, and support of new-generation helicopter engines in India.
This venture aims to strengthen India's capabilities in helicopter engine technology, with a focus on superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. The collaboration involves leveraging state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing techniques, and rigorous testing to meet global standards.
Historically, Safran Helicopter Engines has been a key partner for HAL, powering helicopters with engines such as the Artouste, Shakti, and their variants. The current collaboration represents an elevation of this relationship, involving the joint development of state-of-the-art engines for Medium Lift Helicopters.
The IMRH is designed to meet the Indian Armed Forces' needs, while the naval version, DBMRH, is being developed for the Indian Navy. These engines will be engineered to perform effectively in diverse and challenging environments.
Additionally, there are plans to extend the use of these engines to the civil market, covering offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport, followed by maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.
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