Initial Focus on Powering IMRH and DBMRH
Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have agreed to establish a new joint venture company in Bangalore, dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of helicopter engines, with the first objective to build an optimal propulsion solution for the future 13t Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval version, the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). This will mark India’s first indigenous engine design and manufacturing project.
The decision follows signature of an MoU in 2022 and an agreement on workshare reached between the two partners during Aero India 2023. The collaboration between major French and Indian players clearly supports continued development of the strategic aerospace roadmap between the two countries, while once again endorsing the Indian government’s vision of self-sufficiency, particularly in defence technologies. The companies see this joint venture as a natural further step in their robust, well-balanced and growing relationship.
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, pointed out the JV is “[…] set to address the Indian market and also future export opportunities. It marks a turning point in not only the longstanding relationship between our two companies, but also between India and France. Together we will remain fully dedicated to our customers in India”.
“Safran Helicopter Engines has been our valued partner for several decades,” added HAL Chairman and Managing Director, C B Ananthkrishnan. “We both have embarked on a new journey, leveraging HAL’s experience in manufacturing of more than 15 types of aircraft and helicopter engines and Safran Helicopter Engines’ expertise in designing turboshaft engines. The objective is to co-develop and co-produce turboshaft engines in India – with immediate focus on IMRH and DBMRH. This partnership will engage and harness the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem”.
The two companies already have multiple successful partnerships on helicopter powerplants, including the Shakti engine – of which over 500 have been produced, powering Dhruv, Rudra and LCH Prachand helicopters. The new JV further extends current cooperation and explores opportunities for strategic business collaboration that leverage the parent companies’ complementary talents and capabilities. Through the HE-MRO joint venture in Goa, the two companies will also provide MRO services for TM333 and Shakti engines for the Indian armed forces.
