HAL Partners with SAFHAL to Develop ‘Aravalli’ Helicopter Engines for India’s Aerospace and Defence Sector

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a significant partnership with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) to design, develop, manufacture, and support a new generation of high-power helicopter engines named ‘Aravalli.’ These engines are intended for use in the 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both being developed by HAL.

The contract was signed by key officials from both organizations, including S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex, Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, Sales and Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines, and SK Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance) at HAL.

HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, hailed the partnership as a “pivotal moment” in India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance in the aerospace and defense sectors. He emphasized that the collaboration with SAFHAL would enhance the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms while contributing to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defense technologies.

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, underscored the importance of the partnership, citing the 25-year successful collaboration between Safran and HAL. He expressed confidence that the joint efforts would lead to the successful development of efficient helicopter engines, further strengthening the strategic relationship between India and France.

SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is focused on the design, development, production, sales, and support of next-generation helicopter engines in India. This partnership marks a significant step forward in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to achieve self-reliance in helicopter engine technology.

Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will collaborate with its parent companies to leverage cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. The partnership will involve state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet global standards.

Safran Helicopter Engines has been a long-standing partner of HAL, providing engines for various helicopter models, including the Artouste engines used in the Cheetah and Chetak, and the Shakti engine powering the ALH, LCH, and LUH. This new collaboration represents the next level in their relationship, with a focus on the joint design and development of modern helicopter engines for medium-lift helicopters.

The IMRH, a 13-ton multi-role helicopter, is being designed by HAL to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, while the 12.5-ton DBMRH is being developed for the Indian Navy. These engines will be engineered to operate in diverse and challenging environments, with plans to extend their application to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport, and more. Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities will also be part of the future roadmap for these engines.