The HAL–Safran Aravalli engine is a landmark in India’s helicopter program because it represents genuine co‑development rather than licensed modification, giving Indian engineers direct access to core propulsion technologies and ensuring self‑reliance in one of the most complex areas of aerospace.

It will power HAL’s upcoming 13‑ton Indian Multi‑Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the DBMRH, replacing ageing Mi‑17 and Sea King fleets.

The Aravalli engine belongs to the 3,500–4,000 shp class, a power range Safran has never produced before. Unlike past arrangements where India received modified versions of existing foreign engines, this project requires building the powerplant from scratch.

That means Indian engineers are involved in critical areas such as core architecture, hot‑section design, high‑pressure compressor, power turbine, accessory gearbox, and systems integration. This direct participation is vital for developing indigenous expertise and intellectual property.

Engine Shaft HP Dry Weight Year Key Applications
Artouste 400 – 550 ~115 – 140 kg 1956 Sud Aviation Alouette-II, Alouette-III (HAL Chetak), Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama (HAL Cheetah)
Astazou 520 – 1,000 ~115 – 150 kg 1957 Aérospatiale Gazelle, Alouette-III, Aérospatiale SA 360 Dauphin
Turmo 1,200 – 1,600 ~220 – 240 kg 1962 Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, SA 321 Super Frelon
Arriel 590 – 1,000 ~109 – 130 kg 1974 Airbus H125/AS350 Écureuil, H130, H145, Sikorsky S-76C, Leonardo A109, HAL Cheetal (Arriel 2D)
Makila 1,800 – 2,100 ~278 – 305 kg 1978 Airbus H225 / H225M Super Puma, AS532 Cougar, Denel Rooivalk
Arrius 450 – 750 ~90 – 115 kg 1981 Airbus H120, H135, Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, Leonardo AW109, Kamov Ka-226T
TM 333 750 – 1,100 ~165 kg 1981 HAL Dhruv (MK-I & MK-II - inactive/replaced), HAL Cheetal (early prototype), HAL Chetak
RTM322 2,100 – 2,600 ~228 – 260 kg 1987 NHIndustries NH90, AgustaWestland AW101, AgustaWestland WAH-64 Apache
MTR390 (Joint Venture With MTU/RR) 1,250 – 1,450 ~169 kg 1991 Eurocopter Tiger (EC665)
Ardiden (Shakti/Ardiden-1H/Ardiden-1U) 1,400 – 2,000 ~205 – 225 kg 2007 HAL Dhruv (MK-III & MK-IV - active), HAL Rudra (Active), HAL LCH Prachand (Active), HAL LUH (Ardiden 1U-Active), Avicopter AC352
Aneto 2,500 – 3,000 ~300 – 330 kg 2017 Leonardo AW189K, Leonardo AW149
Arrano 1,100 – 1,300 ~135 – 145 kg 2019 Airbus Helicopters H160
Aravalli (HAL-SAFRAN Co-Development) ~2,500–3,000 Under Development 2026 (JV) HAL IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter-Active Development)

The contract was signed through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture between HAL and Safran. Manufacturing will take place at HAL’s Tumkur plant in Karnataka, with advanced design methodologies, state‑of‑the‑art production processes, and comprehensive testing incorporated. 

The collaboration also promises lifecycle support, ensuring reliability and maintainability across decades of service.

For HAL, the Aravalli program is a decisive step in reducing dependence on imported propulsion systems. India has long relied on foreign engines for helicopters such as the Mi‑17, Sea King, and even indigenous platforms like the Dhruv ALH, which use the Shakti engine co‑developed with Safran.

The Aravalli marks the first high‑power turboshaft engine designed and developed in India, symbolising a transition from licensed production to genuine joint development.

Strategically, the IMRH and DBMRH are intended to replace ageing fleets and provide versatile capabilities for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

The IMRH will serve troop transport, utility, and combat support roles, while the DBMRH will operate from warships, enhancing maritime reach. Beyond military use, the engine also opens opportunities for civil applications such as offshore transport, utility missions, and VVIP travel.

The program is expected to be completed by 2032–33, aligning with India’s helicopter induction timelines. It will also catalyse the growth of a wider aerospace ecosystem, including raw materials, precision machining, castings, and indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities. 

This industrial expansion supports India’s broader self‑reliance objectives under the Make in India initiative.

Financially, the deal represents a multi‑crore investment, though exact figures are not disclosed. The benefits, however, extend far beyond monetary value. By embedding Indian engineers in the design process, the program lays the foundation for future indigenous aero‑engine projects, potentially reducing billions of ₹ in imports over the long term.

The Aravalli engine is named after one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, symbolising resilience and strength.

It reflects India’s ambition to achieve propulsion sovereignty, a domain where past efforts like the Kaveri engine faltered due to lack of access to critical technologies. With Safran’s collaboration, India now has a pathway to overcome those limitations.

In essence, the Aravalli engine is not just a powerplant but a strategic enabler. It strengthens India’s aerospace industrial base, enhances military capability, and ensures that future helicopter programs are powered by engines developed with significant indigenous input.

This marks a turning point in India’s aerospace journey, moving from dependence to partnership, and ultimately towards autonomy.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)