SOURCE: AFI
At Aero India 2025, Safran Helicopter Engines unveiled its latest breakthrough, the Aravalli engine, developed as part of the SAF-HAL joint venture. This new engine has been selected to power the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), a next-generation, 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to fulfill the diverse operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, a naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), which weighs 12.5 tons, is also under development specifically for the Indian Navy.
Named after the Aravalli mountain range in north-west India, the Aravalli engine continues a longstanding tradition by Safran of naming their helicopter engines after mountains, peaks, and lakes, further cementing the significance of this new development in both the technological and cultural context. The name reflects the engine’s capabilities, symbolizing high performance, strength, and reliability — key attributes that will be essential for the Indian military’s operations.
The Aravalli engine is poised to bring cutting-edge technological advancements to the Indian helicopter fleet, offering a high level of efficiency, power, and durability. Developed with the expertise of Safran Helicopter Engines in collaboration with HAL, the engine is designed to meet the demanding requirements of both land and naval operations, ensuring that Indian forces have a reliable, versatile platform for a wide range of missions.
The IMRH is a critical project for the Indian Air Force and Army, intended to replace aging helicopters and serve a wide variety of roles, including troop transport, combat search and rescue, and logistics support. With a payload capacity of 13 tons, the IMRH will be capable of performing operations in harsh environments, including high-altitude regions, making it a valuable addition to India’s defense capabilities.
The naval version of the IMRH, the DBMRH, will be used by the Indian Navy for operations from aircraft carriers and other naval platforms. Weighing 12.5 tons, the DBMRH will provide a versatile and efficient solution for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search-and-rescue missions.
With both helicopters powered by the Aravalli engine, they will offer superior performance and reliability across a range of challenging environments, enhancing the operational flexibility of India’s defense forces.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.