Archive · 26 Aug 2026
HAL and Safran Sign Deal for Aravalli Helicopter Engine
HAL and Safran are working together to build a powerful helicopter engine called Aravalli.
They will do this through SAFHAL, a company they own equally.
The engine is expected to power two future Indian helicopters, including one for naval use.
It will produce between 3,500 and 4,000 shaft horsepower.
SAFHAL plans to make it in Tumakuru, Karnataka.
Indian engineers will work with Safran engineers on designing, testing and certifying the engine.
The project could help Indian companies make specialized parts and repair engines locally.
The engine and helicopters may also have future civilian uses.
Development is expected to continue until 2032–33, and the helicopter programmes still require government approval.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines will jointly develop the 3,500–4,000 shaft-horsepower Aravalli engine through their 50:50 SAFHAL venture.
The engine is intended for HAL’s 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter.
SAFHAL is expected to manufacture the engine at Tumakuru, Karnataka, and provide supply, testing and lifecycle support.
Design and development are expected to conclude by 2032–33, pending government approvals for the two helicopter programmes.
The project aims to move India from licensed production toward joint engine design while expanding domestic aerospace, MRO and manufacturing capabilities.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines, working through their 50:50 SAFHAL Helicopter Engines joint venture.
- What
- A contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply and support the 3,500–4,000 shaft-horsepower Aravalli helicopter engine.
- When
- The contract was signed on August 26, 2026; design and development are expected to be completed by 2032–33.
- Where
- The engine is planned to be manufactured by SAFHAL at Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.
- Why
- To power the planned Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter while developing India’s domestic high-power aero-engine capabilities.
Strategic benefits
Programme uncertainties
Indian self-reliance
Strategic benefits
HAL and Safran describe Aravalli as a transition from licensed production to joint development, giving India deeper capabilities in high-power engine design and propulsion technology.
Programme uncertainties
The project is a starting point rather than a completed capability; development is expected to run into 2032–33 and may face the execution risks associated with complex engine programmes.
Helicopter deployment
Strategic benefits
The engine is intended to support the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter, potentially reducing reliance on the Russian-origin Mi-17 family for medium-lift operations.
Programme uncertainties
The helicopter programmes are still awaiting Acceptance of Necessity and Cabinet Committee on Security approvals, so the intended platforms are not fully cleared.
Civilian opportunities
Strategic benefits
The helicopters and engine could eventually support offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport, while the programme may strengthen India’s MRO sector.
Programme uncertainties
These civilian applications are described as potential future opportunities, not confirmed orders or operational uses.
- Engine
- Aravalli
- Power class
- 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower
- Partners
- HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, each holding 50% of SAFHAL
- Planned platforms
- 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter
- Manufacturing location
- Tumakuru, Karnataka
- Expected completion
- 2032–33, subject to Acceptance of Necessity and Cabinet Committee on Security approvals for the helicopter programmes
- Programme scope
- Joint design, development, manufacturing, supply, testing and lifecycle support
- Potential benefits
- Access to engine-design expertise and intellectual property, advanced manufacturing opportunities, and indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities
Sources
HAL, Safran To Develop Aravalli Helicopter Engine
Aravalli helicopter engine: HAL shares react as defence PSU signs contract with Safran
HAL, Safran join hands to design, develop new-generation helicopter engine ‘Aravalli’
HAL–Safran to jointly develop ‘Aravalli’ engine for multi-role helicopters
HAL and Safran ink deal for joint development, manufacture of copter engine Aravalli
Designing the beast: HAL and Safran unite to power India’s 13-ton copters
