HAL partners with SAFHAL to develop ‘Aravalli’ engines for its next gen helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics

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26 Aug, 2025 12:21

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd (SAFHAL) on Friday said they have signed an airframer contract to commence joint design, development, manufacture, supply and support of a new generation high power engine named ‘Aravalli’.

The engine is being developed for the 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) that are being designed and developed by HAL.

The name ‘Aravalli’, derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of the country in achieving "aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in critical engine technologies, HAL said in a press release.

"This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India's aerospace and defence sector. The collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies," HAL Chairman and Managing Director C B Ananthakrishnan said.

SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of new generation helicopter engines in India, and marks a significant milestone in India's aerospace and defence sector, the release said.

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said: "We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalising on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France." "Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, while contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defence sector," he said.

Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability and operational efficiency. This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards, the release said.

IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, is also being developed for the Indian Navy, the company said.

The engines will be designed to operate in the diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters get deployed, it said, adding that future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport etc, is also planned followed by MRO activities.

HAL said that Safran Helicopter Engines has been its partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by Shakti engine and its variants powering the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

The present collaboration elevates this time-tested relationship to the next level through the joint design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for application in Medium Lift Helicopters, it said.