Named after one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli engine symbolizes India’s aspirations towards achieving greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies and strengthening indigenous capabilities for future-generation rotorcraft programmes, the company said in a statement.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS, will leverage the complementary expertise and strengths of its parent companies to develop cutting-edge propulsion technologies that deliver superior performance, reliability, maintainability, and operational effectiveness.
The collaboration will encompass advanced design methodologies, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, comprehensive testing, and robust product support, in line with the highest international aerospace standards.
The contract represents a major milestone in the evolution of India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem and reinforces the commitment of both partners towards advancing indigenous helicopter engine capabilities, the company said.
The powerplant has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
“Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms. The Arava ll i engine programme will not only support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH but will also contribute meaningfully to the development of a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem,” Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, said.
The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop world-class propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft, Cedric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines, said.
This is the first time; Safran HE has taken up such a class of Engine as Co-development, he added.
Beyond military applications, the engine programme also offers significant potential for future civil market opportunities, including offshore transportation, utility missions, and VVIP transport. The programme is also expected to further catalyse the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.
The contract further reflects Safran Group’s strategic commitment to India, supported by sustained investments in manufacturing, engineering, R&D and MRO capabilities.
Together with its Indian partners, Safran continues to strengthen local industrial capacity while contributing to the development of advanced aerospace technologies in line with India’s selfreliance objectives.
Safran Helicopter Engines has been a trusted partner of HAL, beginning with the Artouste engines powering the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, followed by the Shakti engine family, which powers the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
The Aravalli engine programme further elevates the enduring partnership through the joint design and development of a state-of-the-art turboshaft engine tailored to meet the evolving requirements of medium-lift rotorcraft platforms for India and global markets.
