The engine, named after the iconic Aravalli mountain range, will be the powerhouse behind the 13-ton Medium Lift Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval counterpart, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). Both of these advanced helicopters are under development by HAL.
The partnership underscores India's ambition to become self-reliant in critical defence technologies, a vision encapsulated in the term 'Aatmanirbharta.' The Aravalli engine is a significant step towards realizing this vision, promising to equip Indian Armed Forces with cutting-edge helicopter capabilities.
The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL’s Helicopter Complex; Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP of Sales and Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines; and SK Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director of Finance at HAL.
HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, hailed the collaboration as a landmark achievement in India's aerospace and defence sectors. He stated, "This collaboration will not only boost the capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH helicopters but also help India develop its own defence technologies."
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the long-standing partnership between Safran and HAL. “We are proud to work with HAL on this important project. Our long-standing partnership is growing stronger, and together, we will contribute to India’s aerospace industry,” he said.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines (France) and HAL, specializes in the development of advanced helicopter engines in India. This project aligns with the joint venture's goal to promote self-reliance in engine technology within the country.
The development of the Aravalli engine will involve cutting-edge design methodologies, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols. The goal is to produce an engine that adheres to the highest global standards, capable of operating in diverse and challenging environments.
Beyond military applications, the Aravalli engine is also envisioned to serve civilian markets. Potential applications include offshore operations, VIP transport, and utility services. The collaboration further extends to encompass maintenance and repair activities, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the engine's lifecycle.
This new project represents the latest chapter in the long-standing relationship between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL. Safran's engines have powered HAL's helicopter fleet for decades, starting with the Cheetah and Chetak and continuing with the Shakti engine used in the ALH and LCH helicopters.
The HAL-SAFHAL collaboration signifies a major leap forward in India's quest for self-sufficiency in high-power engine technology. The Aravalli engine promises to enhance the operational capabilities of India's next-generation helicopters, contributing to a stronger and more independent defence infrastructure.
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