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2mo ago

HAL and Safran Sign Deal to Co-Develop Aravalli Helicopter Engine

The 50:50 SAFHAL joint venture will build a 3,500–4,000 shp turboshaft at Tumakuru to advance India’s indigenous aero‑engine capability with government procurement approvals still required.

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Hindustan Aeronautics shares gained in Wednesday's trade after the company and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a final contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have come together to jointly design, develop and manufacture an engine called ‘Aravalli’ | Source: HAL/X

Overview

  • The contract was signed through the SAFHAL joint venture on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply and support the new Aravalli engine.
  • Aravalli is a 3,500–4,000 shaft horsepower turboshaft planned to power HAL’s 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
  • SAFHAL will manufacture the engine at Tumakuru, Karnataka, and the partners expect design and development to finish by 2032–33 while awaiting Acceptance of Necessity and Cabinet Committee on Security approvals before acquisition.
  • HAL says the programme gives it access to core engine technologies and intellectual property—including high‑pressure compressors, power turbines, gearboxes and fuel and oil systems—with Indian engineers working alongside Safran staff.
  • The project aims to expand India’s aerospace supply chain and MRO capacity and could enable civil uses such as offshore transport and VVIP missions while helping reduce reliance on Russian-origin medium-lift helicopters.