HAL, Safran Sign Aravalli Helicopter Engine Contract

HAL and Safran have signed the final Aravalli engine contract, advancing development of a 3,500-4,000 shp helicopter engine for India’s future military rotorcraft.

Revati Krishna

Published: 26 Aug 2026, 01:00 PM IST (6 days ago)

Last Updated: 26 Aug 2026, 01:10 PM IST (6 days ago)

3 min read

Quick Summary

Hindustan Aeronautics and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract to develop, manufacture and support the new-generation Aravalli helicopter engine in the 3,500-4,000 shp class. HAL shares were trading 0.22% higher at ₹4,911 on the NSE at 11:50 am.

Hindustan Aeronautics shares were trading higher on Wednesday after the company and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a final contract with their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, for the development of the Aravalli helicopter engine.

The engine has been selected to power HAL's planned 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

What are the key details of the Aravalli engine programme?

The contract covers the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class.

SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, a joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS, will undertake the programme by combining the capabilities of its parent companies.

The contract includes:

Advanced design methodologies
Comprehensive testing
Product support and lifecycle support
Development of the 3,500-4,000 shp Aravalli engine

The programme has now moved into development and production, with the engine intended for future Indian rotorcraft applications.

How will the engine support HAL's helicopter programmes?

The Aravalli engine has been selected for HAL's upcoming 13-ton IMRH and its naval variant, the DBMRH.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the contract marks a significant step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. He added that the programme will support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH while contributing to the development of a domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.

Beyond military applications, the programme could have potential applications in civil markets, including offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport.

What does the Safran partnership mean for the programme?

Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cedric Goubet said the Aravalli programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India.

According to the company, the programme marks the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has undertaken the co-development of an engine in this class.

The partnership builds on the companies' earlier work on helicopter programmes. Safran's Artouste engines powered the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, while the Shakti engine family powers the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter.

The programme is also expected to support the development of indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.

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How did HAL shares react?

HAL shares were trading at ₹4,911 on NSE at 11:50 am on Wednesday, up ₹11 or 0.22%.

The positive movement came after the company announced the final contract with Safran Helicopter Engines for the Aravalli engine programme.

Conclusion: What does this mean for investors?

The Aravalli contract advances HAL and Safran's joint engine development programme into development and production for the IMRH and DBMRH platforms. The programme also extends the companies' existing helicopter-engine partnership into a new 3,500-4,000 shp engine class, with potential applications beyond military use and an expected contribution to India's indigenous MRO capabilities.