Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine. Named Aravalli, the engine will have a power output of 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp). It has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval version, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
The contract was signed by Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director, Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines. Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, and Cedric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines, presided over the signing ceremony.
The Aravalli programme marks a major step in India’s efforts to develop advanced indigenous aerospace propulsion capabilities. The engine takes its name from the Aravalli mountain range, one of the world’s oldest geological formations, and reflects the partners’ focus on building technology for future Indian rotorcraft.
Ravi K said the contract represents an important milestone in India’s pursuit of greater self-reliance in aero-engine technology. He added that the programme would establish a strong foundation for powering future Indian helicopter platforms while supporting the development of a domestic aerospace manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
Cedric Goubet said the programme builds on the long-standing relationship between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines and represents a new stage in cooperation between India and France. He noted that the Aravalli programme is the first time Safran Helicopter Engines is undertaking co-development of an engine in this power class.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS, will combine the engineering and manufacturing capabilities of both companies. The programme will cover advanced engine design, manufacturing, testing and product support, with the objective of delivering high performance, reliability and maintainability.
The engine will be developed primarily for the IMRH and DBMRH programmes, while also offering potential applications in the civil aviation sector. These could include offshore transportation, utility operations and VVIP transport. The programme is also expected to support the growth of India’s helicopter Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capabilities by creating additional opportunities for domestic service and maintenance infrastructure.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have worked together for decades. Their cooperation began with Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and later expanded to the Shakti engine family, which powers the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter. The Aravalli programme now takes this partnership into joint development of a new turboshaft engine designed for medium-lift rotorcraft and future opportunities in India and international markets.
Safran is a global high-technology group serving the aviation, defence and space sectors, with expertise spanning aircraft propulsion, equipment, interiors and related technologies. The company is focused on supporting a safer and more sustainable future by making air transport more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. With more than 110,000 employees worldwide and revenues of €31.3 billion in 2025, Safran holds leading positions in several of its key markets, both independently and through strategic partnerships. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is a constituent of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 engines produced since its establishment. The company offers the industry’s broadest range of helicopter turboshaft engines and serves more than 2,500 customers across 155 countries.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited remains at the forefront of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, playing a vital role in the design, development, production, and maintenance of a wide range of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, avionics, and aerospace structures for both military and civil applications.
