Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed the final contract through their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., to develop and manufacture the new-generation Aravalli helicopter engine. The agreement covers the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of the high-power turboshaft engine.
The Aravalli is being developed in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class and has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). Safran describes the programme as its first co-development of an engine in this power class.
The final contract represents a significant step in the long-term partnership between HAL and Safran. The two companies have previously collaborated on helicopter propulsion programmes, including the Shakti engine family used on several HAL platforms. The Aravalli programme takes this relationship further by focusing on the joint development of a new high-power engine for India’s future medium-lift rotorcraft.
According to HAL, the programme is intended to strengthen India’s capabilities in critical aerospace propulsion technologies while contributing to the development of a domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. The collaboration will involve advanced design, manufacturing, testing and product-support activities, with lifecycle support included within the programme.
The engine’s primary role will be to provide propulsion for the IMRH and DBMRH. The IMRH is being developed as a 13-tonne multi-role helicopter for the Indian armed forces, while the DBMRH is being developed as a naval helicopter for operations from Indian Navy platforms. Safran states that the Aravalli is designed to operate in demanding environments and incorporates modern aerospace propulsion technologies.
The programme could also have applications beyond military helicopters. HAL and Safran have identified potential future opportunities in areas such as offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport. The development is also expected to support the expansion of India’s indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem.
The name Aravalli has been taken from the Aravalli mountain range in India and reflects the programme’s focus on developing greater self-reliance in critical engine technologies. With the final contract now signed, the HAL-Safran partnership is entering an important phase focused on developing a high-power helicopter engine for India’s next-generation rotorcraft.
The Aravalli programme is therefore expected to play an important role in the future of India’s helicopter industry, particularly as the country seeks to expand domestic expertise in aircraft propulsion, manufacturing and long-term engine support.