In a strategic move to bolster India’s aerospace and defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a landmark agreement with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt (SAFHAL) to develop the next generation of high-power helicopter engines, dubbed ‘Aravalli.’
This collaboration will focus on powering HAL’s ambitious Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) platforms, both of which are crucial to the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
About Aravalli Engine Project
The ‘Aravalli’ engine project, named after India’s ancient mountain range, symbolizes the nation’s aspirations for achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies. The contract was formalized with the signatures of key figures from both organizations, including S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex; Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP of Sales & Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines; and S K Mehta, Director of SAFHAL and Executive Director of Finance at HAL.
C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge) of HAL, expressed the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector. The ‘Aravalli’ engine will not only enhance the capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but will also contribute significantly to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.”
The IMRH, a 13-ton multi-role helicopter, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval version, are designed to operate in some of the most challenging environments, fulfilling the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The engines being developed under this contract will be integral to their success, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, echoed Ananthakrishnan’s sentiments, saying, “We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. 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.”
About the collaboration
The collaboration is not just limited to military applications; plans are in place to extend the ‘Aravalli’ engines to the civil market for offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The project will also encompass Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities, further enhancing India’s Aatmanirbharta in aerospace technologies.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, has been instrumental in pushing the envelope of helicopter engine technology in India. This partnership continues the legacy of collaboration between the two companies, which began with the Artouste engines powering Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and later evolved with the Shakti engines used in the ALH, LCH, and LUH platforms.
The ‘Aravalli’ project represents the next chapter in this enduring partnership, aiming to deliver state-of-the-art engines that meet the highest global standards, thus reinforcing India’s standing in the global aerospace arena.