Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd have recently signed a landmark contract to jointly develop a new generation of high-power helicopter engines named 'Aravalli.' This agreement, finalized on August 30, aims to enhance the performance of India’s upcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) platforms.

The 'Aravalli' engine, named after the renowned mountain range in India, represents a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in critical engine technologies. The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex, and Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP of Sales & Marketing. Also present were S.K. Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance) at HAL.

C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL (additionally in charge), remarked, “This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defense sector. The collaboration will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of developing indigenous defense technologies.”

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are thrilled to collaborate with HAL on this strategic initiative, building on 25 years of successful partnership between our companies. This project not only strengthens our collaboration but also deepens the strategic relationship between India and France. Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, supporting the growth of India’s aerospace and defense sector.”

SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL, focuses on designing, developing, producing, and supporting advanced helicopter engines in India. Under this contract, SAFHAL will leverage cutting-edge engine technologies to deliver superior performance and reliability. The collaboration will involve state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing, and rigorous testing to meet global standards.

The IMRH, a 13-ton multi-role helicopter, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant, are designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces. These engines are engineered to perform in various challenging environments and may eventually extend to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport, with future plans for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.

Safran Helicopter Engines has been a long-standing partner of HAL, powering helicopters with Artouste engines, followed by the Shakti engine series. This new collaboration represents a significant advancement in their partnership, focusing on the development of modern, state-of-the-art engines for medium lift helicopters.

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