India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed an agreement with French firm Safran Helicopter Engines to develop high-performance engines for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter.
As part of the deal, the companies will establish a facility in New Delhi to produce the engines, also providing support services.
According to Safran, one of the objectives of the joint venture is to meet the requirements of HAL and the country’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for future helicopters.
The deal demonstrates Safran and HAL’s commitment to supporting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Make in India) initiative, which seeks self-reliance in defense technologies.
‘Leveraging Experience’
Safran and HAL have previously partnered to produce aircraft engines, as the companies developed the Shakti engine, which powers India’s Dhruv and Rudra helicopters.
According to Safran Chief Executive Officer Franck Saudo, the recently signed deal further expands the company’s partnership with HAL and the Indian MoD.
He further stated that the Indian military remains one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines, with a fleet deployment of more than 1,000 engines.
“Safran Helicopter Engines has been our valued partner for several decades,” HAL Managing Director Shri R. Madhavan said. “We now look forward to [utilizing] this opportunity to leverage HAL’s experience in manufacturing more than 15 types of aircraft and helicopter engines.”