HAL Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) : Updates & Discussions

[Ashwin]

HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines Sign Final Contract with SAFHAL,Launching Development and Production of the Aravalli engine

Bengaluru, India, August 26, 2026 - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) for the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class, named "Aravalli". This powerplant has been selected to power HAL's upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter(IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

 

[spice]

Exclusive: HAL’s IMRH may soon get CCS nod for ₹13,500 crore design development plan: Sources - CNBC TV18

The Cabinet Committee on Security could soon approve the design development of HAL’s Indian Multi-Role Helicopter , with a ₹13,500 crore allocation cleared by the costing committee, sources said, in a key step for India’s indigenous helicopter programme.

www.cnbctv18.com

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) could soon give the go-ahead for the design development of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), sources familiar with the matter told CNBC Awaaz.

The ₹13,500 crore allocation for the IMRH design development has been cleared by the costing committee, sources said. The proposal is now expected to go before the CCS, with approval for the first phase of the programme likely to focus on the design development of the multi-role helicopter.​

 

[Ashwin]

“LCA delays, engine deals shape HAL’s growth roadmap”: Ravi K, HAL CMD

HAL CMD Ravi K discusses LCA Tejas delays, GE engine co-production, and future aerospace programs amidst fiscal challenges.

www.thehindubusinessline.com

The Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) project is going on and there are two things.

One is IMRH aircraft design. But, before that, we recently signed a contract with Safran for 50-50 joint design development collaboration. Safran will do certain portion of design and I will also pitch in. We will subsequently integrate, but the manufacturing will be in India.

Secondly, as you know, all platforms start with engine. So at least we know about the basic engine now. We have started the design of the helicopter engine. So a lot of PDRs (preliminary design reviews) have been computed for the system.

If I’m right, I think engine is going to come somewhere in 2030 and the aircraft will be ready in 2031-32. Then the production starts. We are working towards that and I feel we will be able to do the project much faster.

And you expect this proposal to go to the cabinet committee on security?

We have requested Air Force to go to Cabinet. Maybe this year or early next year it will go to cabinet and the value would be around ₹13,500 crore or something for design and development alone.

 

[spice]

HAL has issued a RFQ for Development and Supply of following Flight Control Actuators for the Indian Multi- Role Helicopter IMRH Programme. Based on the given timeline it seems first flight will be in 2029 and production might start in 2033 or 2034.

 

[lmaoxd]

HAL has issued a RFQ for Development and Supply of following Flight Control Actuators for the Indian Multi- Role Helicopter IMRH Programme. Based on the given timeline it seems first flight will be in 2029 and production might start in 2033 or 2034.

So around 5 years before the the mi17s start their retirement, not bad gives a slight buffer as well. The Mi17s started the majority of their use around 2016 and each heli has like a 35 yr airfrmae lifespan before any extensions are needed(for the airframe) and can probably be extended to 40-45 via comprehensive MLUs.(India does use the Mi17s as the primary workhorse so a 35 year lifespan is probably the ideal aunt of time to plan around
)

IMRH looks like it has en0ugh buffer time for now. lets see.

 

[Speedster1]

So around 5 years before the the mi17s start their retirement, not bad gives a slight buffer as well. The Mi17s started the majority of their use around 2016 and each heli has like a 35 yr airfrmae lifespan before any extensions are needed(for the airframe) and can probably be extended to 40-45 via comprehensive MLUs.(India does use the Mi17s as the primary workhorse so a 35 year lifespan is probably the ideal aunt of time to plan around
)

IMRH looks like it has en0ugh buffer time for now. lets see.

HAL would do well to get the UHM in the air asap. Airbus and AW will exploit any more delays to their advantage.