HAL and Safran Seal Contract to Co-Develop the Aravalli Helicopter Engine

On August 26, 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines formalised a joint-venture agreement with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to design, develop, manufacture, supply and provide lifecycle support for a new-generation turboshaft engine named Aravalli. The engine will deliver 3,500 – 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) and is slated to power HAL’s forthcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval counterpart, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Helicopter Engine Contract – GKToday HAL, Safran Helicopter Engines Finalize Safhal Contract To Co-Develop Aravalli Engine HAL and Safran agree to co-develop Aravalli engine for helicopters HAL, Safran sign contract with SAFHAL for Aravalli engine development One of India's Largest Defence Companies Signs Final Contract with Safran for Aravalli Helicopter Engine; New Engine to Power IMRH and Naval Variant HAL, Safran Sign Deal for New Aravalli Engine HAL signs contract with Safran to develop ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine

HAL and Safran have collaborated for decades, beginning with Artouste engines on the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and later the Shakti engine family that powers the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter. The IMRH program is intended to replace the Russian-origin Mi-17 medium-lift fleet, marking a shift toward indigenous power-plant capability.

HAL signs contract with Safran to develop ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine HAL, Safran Sign Deal for New Aravalli Engine One of India's Largest Defence Companies Signs Final Contract with Safran for Aravalli Helicopter Engine; New Engine to Power IMRH and Naval Variant HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines launch development and production of Aravalli engine HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Helicopter Engine Contract – GKToday

• Power class: 3,500 – 4,000 shp (high-power segment for medium-lift rotorcraft).

HAL, Safran Sign Deal for New Aravalli Engine

• Order book: INR2,54,538 crore as of March 31, 2026, providing 7–8 years of revenue visibility for HAL.

HAL, Safran Helicopter Engines Finalize Safhal Contract To Co-Develop Aravalli Engine

• Financial performance: HAL’s consolidated net profit for Q1 FY27 rose 14.9 % year-on-year to INR1,589.68 crore (reported in August 2026).

HAL, Safran Helicopter Engines Finalize Safhal Contract To Co-Develop Aravalli Engine

• Self-reliance: The engine reduces dependence on imported high-power turboshafts, addressing a long-standing defence vulnerability.

HAL and Safran Sign Aravalli Helicopter Engine Contract – GKToday

• Domestic industrial base: SAFHAL will combine French and Indian expertise in advanced design, manufacturing, testing and product support, fostering indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.

HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines launch development and production of Aravalli engine

• Civil-market potential: HAL notes that the Aravalli platform could later serve offshore transport, utility missions and VVIP transport, expanding the commercial aerospace market for Indian manufacturers.

HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines launch development and production of Aravalli engine

• July 2022: Memorandum of Understanding between HAL and Safran on engine collaboration.

HAL and Safran agree to co-develop Aravalli engine for helicopters

• Aero India 2023: Work-share discussions refined the programme scope.

One of India's Largest Defence Companies Signs Final Contract with Safran for Aravalli Helicopter Engine; New Engine to Power IMRH and Naval Variant

• August 26, 2026: Final contract signed, initiating design and production phases.

HAL, Safran sign contract with SAFHAL for Aravalli engine development

• “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with HAL through this landmark programme,” — Cedric Goubet, engines chief executive

HAL and Safran agree to co-develop Aravalli engine for helicopters

• “Through this collaborative programme with Safhal and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms. The Aravalli engine programme will not only support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH but will also contribute meaningfully to the development of a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem,” — Cédric Goubet. Ravi, managing director

HAL signs contract with Safran to develop ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine

• “We are delighted to deepen our long-standing partnership with HAL through this landmark programme. Building on decades of successful cooperation, this initiative reflects our shared commitment to innovation, technology development and industrial excellence. This is the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has taken up co-development of an engine in such a power class,” — Cédric Goubet, engines chief executive

HAL signs contract with Safran to develop ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine

These statements capture the enthusiasm of both partners and the strategic significance they attribute to the Aravalli programme.

HAL, Safran Helicopter Engines Finalize Safhal Contract To Co-Develop Aravalli Engine