Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have set up a joint venture (JV) company in Bangalore, India dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of helicopter engines.
The first objective of the JV will be to build the most adequate propulsion solution for the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval version Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). This joint venture will be India’s first engine design and manufacturing in house.
India-France collaboration
The collaboration between the Indian and French aerospace companies is supports the development of their aerospace strategic roadmap while endorsing the Indian Government’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) – particularly in defence technologies.
Mr. Cedric 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 designing and producing new efficient helicopter engines.”
Mr. C.B. Ananthkrishnan, CMD, HAL commented, “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 desiging 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 of our Hon’ble PM.”
Image: Indian Multi-Role Helicopter. Courtesy of HAL
