Defence PSU HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed the final contract with their joint venture, Safhal Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, to design and develop a new high-power helicopter engine that will power India’s proposed 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
The agreement was signed by HAL’s director (engineering and R&D) Ajay Kumar Shrivastava and Olivier Savin, director, Safhal Helicopter Engines and executive vice-president (sales and marketing) at Safran Helicopter Engines.
Through this collaborative programme with Safhal and Safran Helicopter Engines, we’re creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms,” HAL CMD Ravi K said. Safran Helicopter Engines chief executive Cedric Goubet said the programme marked a new phase in the partnership between the two companies. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft,” Goubet said.
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. “This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. Beyond the two military helicopter programmes — IMRH and DBMRH — Aravalli could also find applications in civil aviation, including offshore transport, utility missions and VVIP travel. The programme is also expected to support the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in India. The IMRH programme is central to HAL’s plans to develop a medium-lift helicopter to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces, potentially replacing ageing platforms and reducing dependence on imported helicopters and engines.