HAL signs workshare agreement with Safran for IMRH's engine development

Bengaluru: State-owned HAL informed in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that it has signed a workshare agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines for the joint development of the engine intended for the future 13-tonne IMRH (Indian Multirole Helicopter) and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter). "The agreement stipulates the sharing of activities within the joint venture where both parties have agreed on an equivalent repartition. In particular, HAL will take part in the design, development, and production of some of the core engine components, which is a breakthrough achievement in terms of expertise and know-how in the country," the BSE filing added.

"The workshare agreement was signed by Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Sales and Marketing, and K Ramesh, General Manager, HAL Aero Engine Research and Design Centre, in presence of C B Ananthakrishnan , CMD, HAL and Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines," said the company in the filing.

Availability of an indigenous engine will enhance the self-reliance content on the platform

"The development of the IMRH helicopter continues, and one-third scale model was displayed by HAL at Aero India 2023. Discussions are also continuing with the Indian Armed Forces on the operational requirements for this new helicopter. Availability of an indigenous engine will enhance the self-reliance content on the platform and demonstrate the commitment of both Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL to the government's vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" or achieving self-reliance particularly in defence technologies," the filing added.

Safran and HAL will continue to work on development of engines for IMRH & other helicopters

"Safran and HAL will continue to work on the development of this joint venture in the coming months, which is intended not only to develop an engine for the IMRH, but also for other helicopters. Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL have also agreed on the condition for the transfer of right to HAL for manufacturing seven critical Forging and Casting raw parts required for further enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC) in Shakti Engine of ALH/ LCH," the company said in the filing.

On this occasion, C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL said, "The joint development of high power engine is a new milestone in HALs ever-growing capabilities in the sector with a competent partner like Safran Helicopter Engines. We are confident of making the engine meet the highly stringent and demanding requirements of Indian Defence customers".

Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines commented, "We are very proud to be associated with such an important program of HAL and very happy to once again support HAL, our partner for decades. While this program will bring many advanced technologies to the Indian aerospace ecosystem and to HAL, it will also provide the Indian Armed Forces with state-of- the-art solutions".

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