Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) for the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class, named “Aravalli”. This 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). The contract was signed by Mr. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines. The ceremony was presided by Mr. K. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL and Mr. Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines. 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. This 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.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited 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, 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. 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 self-reliance objectives.
“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 Aravalli 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,” said Mr. K. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL.
“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 Helicopter Engines 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,” Mr. Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines
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 this 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. Safran Helicopter Engines, previously known as Turbomeca, is a French manufacturer of low- and medium-power gas turbine turboshaft engines for helicopters. The company also produces gas turbine engines for aircraft and missiles, as well as turbines for land, industrial and marine applications. Safran is the world’s leading manufacturer of gas turbine engines for both civil and military helicopters. They design, produce, sell and support a complete range of turbine engines for this market. More than 18,000 Safran Helicopter engines already power helicopters built by the world’s leading manufacturers: Airbus Helicopters, AVIC, Sikorsky, Bell Helicopter, Finmeccanica Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland), Denel, Russian Helicopters, HAL, Boeing, etc. In the military sector, Safran powers the Tiger, NH90, Finmeccanica Helicopters A109 Power, AW101 and many others. Helicopters powered by Safran are deployed by 2,500 customers in 150 countries.
