HAL and Safhal officials shaking hands after signing the contract. (Photo via special arrangement.)
Bengaluru/New Delhi: State-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has chosen Safhal Helicopter Engines Private Limited to supply engines for its planned Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) programmes. This collaboration represents a critical step in the development of these advanced rotary-wing platforms, which are expected to play a key role in modernizing the country’s armed forces.
The HAL and Safhal have signed an airframer contract to begin the joint design, development, manufacture, supply, and support of the new-generation high-power engine, named “Aravalli”, which is named after the Aravalli mountain range that runs from northern to western India, and is much older than the Himalayas.
Safhal, which is a portmanteau of Safran and HAL, is a joint-venture company between France-based Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL. It was established on November 9, 2023, in Bangalore. The company leverages the expertise of Safran, a global leader in aircraft propulsion, and HAL’s extensive experience in aerospace manufacturing to produce high-performance helicopter engines in India.
On this occasion, the HAL chairman and managing director, CB Ananthakrishnan, said, “This partnership with Safhal marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sectors,” adding, “The collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.”
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran, expressed pride in the collaboration. He said, “We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France.”
The HAL’s decision to partner with Safhal is aligned with India’s broader strategy to keep developing indigenous defence capabilities while incorporating global best practices. The engines developed by Safhal are expected to meet the stringent operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH, ensuring reliability, power, and efficiency in diverse conditions.
The Indian aircraft maker also said it plans to extend the IMRH and DBMRH programmes beyond supplying the Indian armed forces with these choppers. In a media release, HAL said: “The [Safhal-produced] engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters will be deployed. Future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport is also planned, followed by MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) activities.”
What is the Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) project?
The Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) is a medium-lift helicopter designed to replace the ageing fleet of helicopters currently in service with the Indian armed forces, especially the Mi-17 and its variants. The HAL is spearheading the development of the IMRH, which is intended to perform a variety of military roles, including troop transport, air assault, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue operations.
The IMRH is expected to have a maximum take-off weight of around 13 tonnes and will feature state-of-the-art avionics and mission systems. This helicopter is being developed to serve the needs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, with potential for export to friendly nations.
What is the Deck-Based Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) project?
The Deck-Based Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) is a naval variant of the IMRH, specifically designed for operations from Indian Navy vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates. The DBMRH will be equipped for a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime surveillance.
Given the typical maritime environment, the DBMRH will also incorporate advanced features such as corrosion-resistant materials and stabilization systems to ensure effective operation in rough seas. This helicopter is designed to enhance the Navy’s operational reach and capabilities, particularly in the strategically important Indian Ocean region.
