French engine maker Safran Helicopter Engines (SHE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will set up a joint venture in Bangalore dedicated to in-house helicopter engine design, development, production, sales and support.
The JV has been created to develop a future propulsion solution for HAL’s 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the naval-deck-based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
Cedric Goubet, CEO, SHE, said the JV marked a turning point in the longstanding relationship between both companies. “Together we will remain fully dedicated to our customers in India, proud to designing and producing new efficient helicopter engines.”
Both companies had inked an MoU in July 2022, and a workshare agreement was reached at Aero India 2023.
C B Ananthkrishnan, CMD, HAL, said SHE had been a valued partner for several decades and embarked on a new journey, leveraging HAL’s experience in manufacturing more than 15 types of aircraft and helicopter engines and SHE's expertise in designing turboshaft engines.
“The objective is to co-develop and co-produce turboshaft engines in India - with an immediate focus on IMRH and DBMRH,” he said.
SHE and HAL already share multiple partnerships on helicopter powerplants, including the Shakti engine, which powers HAL-produced helicopters, comprising the Dhruv, Rudra and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH Prachand).
More than 500 Shakti engines have already been produced in India. SHE and HAL will also provide MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) services for TM333 and Shakti engines in the service of Indian Armed Forces.
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