Safer Skies Ahead: Safran and HAL Unite for Next-Gen Helicopter Engine Innovation

Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have formalized a contract to establish a new collaborative venture aimed at innovating helicopter engines. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was endorsed by Mr. R. Madhavan, HAL’s CMD, and Mr. Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, in the presence of Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran. This agreement will broaden their enduring alliance by forming a new aerospace-engine corporation in India. It will concentrate on the design, production, marketing, and maintenance of helicopter engines, with a primary aim to fulfill the needs of HAL and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India for upcoming helicopters, including the anticipated 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi Role Helicopter).

This MoU reaffirms the commitment of both Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL to the Indian Government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” which translates to achieving self-sufficiency, especially in defense technologies.

Mr. Franck Saudo remarked: “The establishment of this new joint venture signifies a pivotal moment in our collaboration with HAL and the Indian MoD concerning the design and manufacturing of a novel generation of helicopter engines. We take pride in further strengthening our foundational partnership with HAL, which has flourished for over 50 years, recently demonstrated through the development and production of the Shakti engine alongside the launch of our joint venture, Helicopter Engines MRO Pvt Limited (HE-MRO). With over 1,000 engines in operation, the Indian Armed Forces rank among the largest users of Safran-designed helicopter engines.”

Mr. R. Madhavan stated: “Safran Helicopter Engines has been our esteemed collaborator for numerous years. We are eager to seize this opportunity to leverage HAL’s extensive experience in producing over 15 types of both aircraft and helicopter engines for jointly developing and manufacturing engines, with an immediate focus on the IMRH and its naval variant, the Deck Based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH). This partnership will engage and utilize the Indian Defense manufacturing ecosystem in India.”

Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL have an existing array of collaborations, encompassing the Shakti engine that powers HAL-manufactured helicopters, including the Dhruv, Rudra, and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The Ardiden 1U variant is also the engine behind the newly launched Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). Over 500 Shakti engines have already been produced.

Through the HE-MRO joint venture in Goa, Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL will also deliver Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for TM333 and Shakti engines operational within the Indian Armed Forces. This facility is set to be functional by the close of 2023.