BENGALURU: Defence PSU HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed the final contract with their joint venture, Safhal Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, to design and develop a new high-power helicopter engine that will power India’s proposed 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).The engine, Aravalli, named after India’s iconic mountain range, will be developed in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class. The contract covers its design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support.The agreement was signed by HAL’s director (engineering and R&D) Ajay Kumar Shrivastava and Olivier Savin, director, Safhal Helicopter Engines and executive vice-president (sales and marketing) at Safran Helicopter Engines.“The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Through this collaborative programme with Safhal and Safran Helicopter Engines, we’re creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms,” HAL CMD Ravi K said.Aravalli will be a new-generation turboshaft engine designed specifically for the IMRH and DBMRH. Safran Helicopter Engines chief executive Cedric Goubet said the programme marked a new phase in the partnership between the two companies.“This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development. The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft,” Goubet said.HAL and Safran have worked together on helicopter engines for decades. Safran’s Artouste engines powered the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, while the Shakti engine family powers HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter.Beyond the two military helicopter programmes — IMRH and DBMRH — Aravalli could also find applications in civil aviation, including offshore transport, utility missions and VVIP travel. The programme is also expected to support the development of maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in India.The IMRH programme is central to HAL’s plans to develop a medium-lift helicopter to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces, potentially replacing ageing platforms and reducing dependence on imported helicopters and engines.