In yet another push to PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative for the defence sector, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and Safran Helicopter Engines will form a joint venture to set up a support centre in India for national and international rotorcraft customers.
The new centre will provide Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Safran TM333 and HAL Shakti engines that power HAL-built helicopters. With over 1000 engines, including 250 TM333 and 250 Shakti, India’s armed forces are one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines.
The Shakti engine is fitted in HAL’s ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv and has been selected to power the HAL-designed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a three-ton single-engine chopper under development is also fitted with a Turbomeca engine.
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Shakti is the Indian designation for the Safran’s Ardiden 1, co-developed with HAL and produced under license.
Commenting on the JV, T Suvarna Raju, CMD of HAL said, “The JV reflects the close relationship established over many years between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines. It places both partners on an ambitious path towards world-beating customer support in the field of engine MRO.” “The joint venture will provide the impetus for the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative since around 1000 Shakti engines are likely to fly in the coming years,” he added.
Serge Maillé, Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice President for Strategy and Development, said “this joint venture marks a new step in the long-lasting and fruitful partnership between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL. We are extremely proud of the continued confidence placed on us by HAL. Together we are committed to delivering world-class support to our customers, both in India and throughout the region”.
