Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final agreement to jointly develop and produce the ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine in India. The project aims to create an indigenous powerplant for India’s future 13-tonne-class military and civilian helicopters. The partnership will combine HAL’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities with Safran’s helicopter-engine technology, supporting greater domestic capability in helicopter engine development and production. The project is also expected to strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported helicopter engines.