Safran Helicopter Engines and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) have agreed to set up a joint-venture company in Bangalore to design, develop, produce, sell, and support helicopter engines, initially for the indigenously produced 13-ton Indian Multirole Helicopter and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multirole Helicopter.
The agreement follows existing partnerships between the two companies, including one that has produced more than 500 Shakti engines for HAL-produced helicopters such as the Dhruv, Rudra, and Light Combat Helicopter, as well as a helicopter MRO joint venture in Goa that supports the Shakti and its predecessor, the TM333. Negotiations between Safran and HAL to establish the joint venture came to light in 2022 with the signing of a related memorandum of understanding between the companies and the conclusion of a workshare agreement three months ago.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cedric Goubet said this latest agreement “marks a turning point in not only the long-standing relationship between our two companies but also between India and France. Together we will remain fully dedicated to customers in India, proud to design and produce new efficient helicopter engines.”