HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Helicopter Engine Contract

Key facts

• HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a final contract with their joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to develop and manufacture the Aravalli turboshaft engine.
• The Aravalli engine is in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower class and will power HAL's 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
• The agreement marks Safran Helicopter Engines' first co-development project for an engine of this power class, with SAFHAL leading design, production, supply, and lifecycle support.
• The partnership extends the long-standing HAL-Safran collaboration, which began with Artouste engines for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and continued with the Shakti engine series for ALH, LCH, and LUH.
• The partners also plan to target commercial applications, including offshore transportation and VVIP transport, while expanding domestic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure.