Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a contract to develop the Aravalli engine. The 50:50 joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, will manage the project. This marks the first high-power helicopter engine designed and developed in India.
The Aravalli engine delivers between 3,500 and 4,000 shaft horsepower. It will power the 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant. The new fleet will replace the Indian armed forces' Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters. Manufacturing will occur at a facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka.