HAL, Safran sign final deal for Aravalli engine that will power India’s next-generation helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract to jointly develop and manufacture a new-generation helicopter engine, marking a fresh step in India’s efforts to build indigenous aerospace propulsion capabilities, according to a company filing on Wednesday.

The contract, signed through their joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, covers the design, development, manufacturing, supply and lifecycle support of the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) Aravalli engine.

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The engine has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) as well as its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

The engine is named after the Aravalli range, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. HAL said the programme is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in critical aerospace propulsion technologies and supporting the development of future-generation rotorcraft.

Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, says, "The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. 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."

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Goubet said the programme would deepen the long-standing partnership between HAL and Safran and combine the expertise of both companies in developing propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.

Cedric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines, added, "We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with HAL through this landmark programme. Building on decades of successful cooperation, this initiative reflects our shared commitment to innovation, technology development, and industrial excellence. 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. This is the first time; Safran HE has taken up such a class of Engine as Co-development. Together, we remain fully committed to supporting our customers and contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defence capabilities."

SAFHAL, the joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS, will draw on the capabilities of both parent companies across engine design, manufacturing, testing and product support.

The programme will involve advanced design methods, modern manufacturing processes, testing and lifecycle support, with the companies targeting international aerospace standards for performance, reliability and maintainability.

While the Aravalli engine is primarily intended for military rotorcraft, HAL said the programme could eventually open opportunities in the civil helicopter market. Potential applications include offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport.

The programme is also expected to support the expansion of India’s domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem.

For Safran, the agreement builds on its wider investments in India across manufacturing, engineering, research and development and MRO. The company has been working with HAL for decades, beginning with Artouste engines used on the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

The partnership later expanded to the Shakti engine family, which powers HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

The Aravalli programme takes the partnership into a new phase, with HAL and Safran jointly designing and developing a turboshaft engine for medium-lift rotorcraft. The companies also see potential for the engine to serve future helicopter programmes in India and international markets.