Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is moving closer to a major milestone in India’s indigenous helicopter development programme, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) expected to approve a ₹13,500 crore design and development plan for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). The approval would mark an important transition for the programme, allowing HAL to move from the preparatory and costing stages into formal design development and prototype-related work. The IMRH is being developed as a 13-tonne twin-engine medium-lift helicopter for the Indian Armed Forces and is intended to reduce dependence on imported platforms in the medium-lift category.
The IMRH is planned to undertake a wide range of missions, including troop transportation, logistics support, disaster relief and other military operations. A naval version, known as the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), is also being developed for the Indian Navy. The naval variant is expected to incorporate modifications required for operations from warships, including folding rotor systems, strengthened landing gear and protection against the maritime environment. HAL has stated that the preliminary design of the IMRH is nearing completion, while configuration studies for the DBMRH are progressing.
A key development supporting the helicopter programme is the Aravalli turboshaft engine, being developed through the HAL-Safran partnership. The engine is intended to power both the IMRH and DBMRH and falls in the 3,500–4,000 shaft-horsepower class. The development of an indigenous engine for these helicopters is particularly significant because propulsion remains one of the most challenging areas of aerospace technology. According to the reference report, the engine programme is being structured around design, development, manufacturing, supply and lifecycle support in India.
The IMRH programme is also strategically important because the helicopter is expected to eventually replace a substantial portion of India’s ageing Mi-17 medium-lift helicopter fleet. The Russian-origin Mi-17 family has long provided the backbone of India’s military medium-lift helicopter capability, making the development of a domestic successor important for long-term operational availability, maintenance support and supply-chain security.
The proposed CCS approval would provide HAL with the financial backing required to take the project into detailed development. The programme is expected to involve prototype construction, ground testing, flight testing and certification before the helicopter can enter operational service. The reference report indicates a roadmap involving prototype rollout around 2028, flight trials from 2029 and certification targeted around 2031, although these timelines could change as development progresses.
Beyond meeting the requirements of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, the IMRH could become an important platform for India’s broader aerospace manufacturing ambitions. A successful indigenous medium-lift helicopter programme would strengthen domestic capabilities in rotorcraft design, advanced materials, systems integration, engine technology and maintenance, repair and overhaul. It could also create opportunities for Indian suppliers and potentially support future exports.
With the IMRH design already approaching an advanced stage and the proposed ₹13,500 crore development programme awaiting the next major government decision, the project is entering a crucial phase. CCS approval would provide the green light for HAL to accelerate the development of an indigenous medium-lift helicopter and could represent another major step in India’s effort to build a self-reliant military aviation ecosystem.