Bengaluru, August 30, 2024: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed a landmark contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply, and support a new generation of high-power helicopter engines named ‘Aravalli’. These engines will power India’s 13-ton Medium Lift Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being developed by HAL.
The ‘Aravalli’ engine, named after the ancient Aravalli mountain range, symbolizes India’s aspirations for achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies. The contract was signed by key officials including Mr. S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL; Mr. Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines; and Mr. S K Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge), HAL, remarked, “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.”
Mr. Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting, “We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing 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.”
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development, production, sales, and support of next-generation helicopter engines in India. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in helicopter engine technology, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
The IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the diverse requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, a naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, is being developed for the Indian Navy. The ‘Aravalli’ engines are being designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments where these helicopters are deployed. Future extensions to the civil market, including offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport, are also planned, followed by maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.
Safran Helicopter Engines has been a long-standing partner of HAL, powering helicopters starting with the Artouste engines in Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, followed by the Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH, and LUH. This latest collaboration elevates the time-tested relationship to a new level, focusing on the joint design and development of state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for application in Medium Lift Helicopters.
This strategic partnership between HAL and SAFHAL signifies a major step forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in aerospace and defence, while also strengthening the Indo-French partnership in these critical sectors.
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