HAL, Safran sign contract with SAFHAL for Aravalli engine development
- HAL and Safran signed a final contract with SAFHAL for the Aravalli engine on August 26, 2026
- The engine is in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class and will power the IMRH and DBMRH helicopters
- The deal covers design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support
- The partnership aims to strengthen indigenous capabilities for future-generation rotorcraft programmes
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Hindustan Aeronautics and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to begin development and production of the Aravalli engine.
Contract details
The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, covers the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class. The Aravalli engine has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
The signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, and Mr. Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines. The contract was executed by Mr. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director, Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Companies involved | Hindustan Aeronautics, Safran Helicopter Engines, SAFHAL |
| Programme | Aravalli engine |
| Power class | 3,500 to 4,000 shp |
| Application | IMRH and DBMRH helicopters |
| Nature of contract | Design, development, manufacture, supply, lifecycle support |
Strategic significance
Named after one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli engine symbolizes India's aspirations towards achieving greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies. This contract represents a major milestone in the evolution of India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
Mr. Ravi K stated that the programme creates a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms and contributes to a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. Mr. Cédric Goubet noted that this is the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has taken up an engine of this class, marking a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India.
Historical Stock Returns for Hindustan Aeronautics
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.36% | -2.67% | +6.77% | +21.81% | +11.40% | +657.32% |
How might the successful development of the Aravalli engine impact HAL's export competitiveness in the global medium-lift helicopter market?
What are the projected timelines for achieving full indigenous manufacturing capabilities for the Aravalli engine components within India?
Could this partnership serve as a precedent for future joint ventures between Indian defense PSUs and European aerospace firms for other propulsion systems?
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