6 days ago
HAL, Safran Sign Deal for India’s Aravalli Helicopter Engine
India and France are working together to build a powerful helicopter engine called Aravalli.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines will develop it through their equally owned company, SAFHAL.
The engine is meant for two future Indian helicopters, including one designed for naval missions.
Each helicopter is expected to use two engines.
Indian engineers will work with Safran engineers to design, test and make the engine.
They will gain experience with important parts such as compressors, turbines and fuel systems.
The engine will be manufactured in Tumakuru, Karnataka.
The project could help India become less dependent on foreign suppliers for future engines and repairs.
Development is expected to finish by 2032 or 2033, but the helicopter projects still need government approval.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a contract on August 26, 2026, through their 50:50 SAFHAL joint venture.
The Aravalli is a 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower turboshaft engine for HAL’s IMRH and naval DBMRH helicopters.
The programme is described as India’s first high-power helicopter engine to be jointly designed and developed domestically.
Production is planned at SAFHAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, with Indian engineers working alongside Safran teams.
Engine development is targeted for completion by 2032–33, while the helicopter programmes await government approvals.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines, through their 50:50 joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Private Limited.
- What
- They signed a contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply and support the 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower Aravalli turboshaft engine.
- Where
- Manufacturing is planned at SAFHAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, India.
- When
- The contract was signed on August 26, 2026; design and development are expected to conclude by 2032–33.
- Why
- The engine is intended to power future Indian medium-lift helicopters and build domestic expertise in advanced aerospace propulsion.
Key facts
- Engine
- Aravalli, a 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower turboshaft engine
- Joint venture
- SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Private Limited
- Ownership
- 50:50 partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines
- Planned platforms
- HAL’s 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and 12.5-tonne naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter
- Manufacturing site
- SAFHAL facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka
- Technology areas
- High-pressure compressor, power turbine, fuel and oil systems, accessory gearbox and external engine systems
- Approval status
- The IMRH and DBMRH programmes still require Acceptance of Necessity and Cabinet Committee on Security clearances
Quotes
Ravi K
Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self‑reliance in aero‑engine technologies. 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”
indianexpress.com
financialexpress.com
“Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms.”
indianexpress.com
Cédric Goubet
Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines
“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.”
indianexpress.com
“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of Engine as Co‑development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India”
financialexpress.com
Sources
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