HAL, Safran sign final deal to develop high-powered helicopter engines for next-gen military choppers

New Delhi: A high-powered helicopter engine is likely to be made in India for the first time, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signing the final commercial contract with European defence major Safran to form a joint venture company that will “design, develop and manufacture” Aravalli engines to power the next-generation medium-lift military choppers.

The design and development work is expected to be completed by 2032-33, and the engines will be manufactured at HAL’s Tumakuru facility, sources said. The Aravalli engine will power the upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval version — the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) — which will replace the ageing Mi-17 rotorcraft.

Intended for use by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, the IMRH programme is yet to receive the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) approval from the Defence Ministry. The AON will subsequently need to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security before the development work can begin.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) for the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to… pic.twitter.com/Yi4LWtlH5V

— HAL (@HALHQBLR) August 26, 2026

The Aravalli engine agreement — for which a memorandum of understanding was signed in February 2023 at Aero India — is one of the crucial steps for the long-awaited helicopter programme.

“The joint venture company SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd will carry out the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower class to drive HAL’s upcoming 13-tonne IMRH and its naval variant DBMRH,” HAL said in a statement.

The programme will provide HAL engineers access to core engine technologies, including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, fuel and oil system components, accessory gearbox and engine external systems capabilities that are critical for developing future generations of indigenous aero-engines.

Sources said the Aravalli engine development would not only enable HAL to gain expertise and intellectual property in areas of engine design but also expose its engineers to international design methodologies, testing practices and certification requirements.

The knowledge and experience can provide a foundation for future indigenous aero-engine development programmes.

“The contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms,” said Ravi K, HAL chairman and managing director.

In addition, the collaboration would create opportunities for Indian industry in advanced engine manufacturing areas such as raw materials, precision machining and castings, while also supporting the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, HAL said.