Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have announced their decision to establish a joint venture company in Bangalore, India. The joint venture will focus on the design, development, production, sales, and support of helicopter engines, with the initial objective of creating the most suitable propulsion solution for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s future 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) and its naval variant, DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter). This collaboration marks India’s first in-house engine design and manufacturing endeavor.
The establishment of the joint venture follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on July 8, 2022, and a workshare agreement reached between the two companies during Aero India 2023. The partnership between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL reinforces the strategic roadmap for aerospace development between India and France and aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” particularly in defense technologies. The joint venture represents a natural progression in the strong and growing relationship between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL.