Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have decided to create their new joint company in Bangalore, India. It will be dedicated to the design, development, production, sale and support of helicopter engines, with the primary objective of building the most suitable propulsion solution for the future IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) of 13 tons from the Indian Ministry of Defense and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter). This joint venture will be India’s first in-house engine design and manufacturing company.
A joint venture in Bangalore, India…
Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have decided to create their new joint company in Bangalore, India. It will be dedicated to the design, development, production, sale and support of helicopter engines, with the primary objective of building the most suitable propulsion solution for the future IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) of 13 tons from the Indian Ministry of Defense and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter). This joint venture will be India’s first in-house engine design and manufacturing company.
…Following a memorandum of understanding signed on July 8, 2022
This decision was taken thanks to joint work between the two companies, following a memorandum of understanding signed on July 8, 2022 and an agreement on the sharing of tasks concluded between the two partners during Aero India 2023. The collaboration between Indian and French aerospace majors supports the development of the strategic aerospace roadmap between the two countries, while once again supporting the Indian government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” – particularly in the area of technologies defense.
A partnership for several decades…
“Safran Helicopter Engines has been our preferred partner for several decades. We have both embarked on a new adventure, taking advantage of HAL’s experience in the manufacture of more than 15 types of aircraft and helicopter engines and of Safran Helicopter Engines’ expertise in the design of turbine engines. The objective is to co-develop and co-produce turbine engines in India, with an immediate focus on IMRH and DBMRH. This partnership will enable to engage and leverage India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem to achieve the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of our Honorable Prime Minister, said MCB Ananthkrishnan, Managing Director of HAL.
…And more than 500 turbine engines already produced
In the past, Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL have already concluded numerous partnerships in the field of helicopter engines, the Shakti engine which powers the helicopters produced by HAL, in particular the Dhruv, the Rudra and the light combat helicopter (LCH Prachand). More than 500 Shakti engines have already been produced. The new joint venture further expands the scope of the current cooperation and explores opportunities for strategic business collaboration that leverages the complementary talents and capabilities of the two aerospace companies. Through the HE-MRO joint venture in Goa, Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL will also provide MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services for TM333 and Shakti engines serving the Indian Armed Forces.
