Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) have committed to building a joint-venture company headquartered in Bangalore which will be dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of helicopter engines. The joint venture is driven by the Indian government’s policy of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, or a self-reliant India.
The first project for the new company will be to design and build engines for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s future 13-tonne-class Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) as well as its naval version DBMRH (deck-based multi-role helicopter).
Speaking about the joint venture, Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines’ CEO, said: “We at Safran Helicopter Engines are truly elated to partner with HAL and India to craft this new turboshaft engine joint venture 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, proud to be designing and producing new efficient helicopter engines.”
C.B. Ananthkrishnan, CMD of HAL, added: “Safran Helicopter Engines has been our valued partner for several decades. 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 towards realising Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.”
Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL already have multiple successful partnerships on helicopter powerplants, including the Ardiden 1 Shakti engine, which powers HAL-produced helicopters, including the Dhruv, Rudra and the Light Combat Helicopter.
