HAL and Safran to form JV in India to Support Indian Helicopter Operators

Bengaluru. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have agreed to establish a support centre in India for national and international rotorcraft customers. An agreement to this effect was signed yesterday by Mr D.K. Venkatesh, Director (Engg, and R&D), HAL and Mr. Bruno Even, CEO-Turbomeca, at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow in the presence of Mr T. Suvarna Raju, CMD-HAL and Mr. Philippe Petitcolin, CEO-Safran.
 
This new centre will provide Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Safran TM333 and HAL Shakti engines that powers HAL-built helicopters. Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL will provide their customers with a first-class service including optimized engine availability.
 
Mr. T Suvarna Raju, CMD-HAL said, “The JV reflects the close relationship established over many years between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines. 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”.
 
Shakti is fitted to 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.

Read Also : Indian Air Force ushers in Digital Transformation with DigiLocker Integration