So there is gonna be two high thrust programs, one for AMCA with the foreign collaboration while the objective for the indigenous one is not clear because of the unknow thrust levels being targeted? or does anyone actually have the target figures of this particular project?
Indian Indigenous Aero Engine Developments
- Thread starter Ashwin
- Start date
-
- Tags
- hal htfe-25 htse-1200 manik nal
Small twin-spool gas turbine engine for expendable applications (missiles/UAVs). Six engines total (3 per industry) over 36 months. Features mixed-flow compressor, HP/LP turbines, fuel injection system, DECU, alternator, gearbox. 400mm max diameter components.
STFE
is the Saf-Hal Aravali engine a clean sheet engine co developed and designed by both Hal and Safran or is it based on any existing engine?
It's based on Aneto as far as I know.
Just like Shakti was based on Ardiden.
Their claim is that it will be clean sheet design. But, it will definitely incorporate proven elements from Safran's existing engines in the same category. It doesnt matter when they share IP. Thats a huge win compared to Shakti engine of Dhruv.
This is a proper JV with Safran with IP sharing and local production. Under the agreed workshare, HAL will also participate in the core design. Currently, Aneto is used by 8-9 ton class of helicopters. It cant be just uprated Aneto considering the additional requirement of high altitude.
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).
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).
He pointed to the recently signed contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a turboshaft engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme.
“I mean, one of course, was in the news a couple of days ago when we signed the contract with HAL as our joint venture partner. That's for a turboshaft engine for IMRH, which is an ambitious program by HAL and we are supporting the program wholeheartedly.”
“So we will do a 50-50 kind of design development. HAL will do its part, we do our part, we integrate the engine, build it in India, certify it in India, and then, of course, it opens up export potential for that engine from India because there is no other engine in that category available. So it has a market of its own.”
On the proposed advanced fighter engine programme, Gavankar said discussions with the government are underway.
“Going forward for the jet engine program, yes we are in active discussion with the government of India.”
“As and when the decision is taken, we will probably replicate the same model to provide the state-of-the-art technologies to India and meet and probably exceed the government of India expectations from such development programs.”
“I mean, one of course, was in the news a couple of days ago when we signed the contract with HAL as our joint venture partner. That's for a turboshaft engine for IMRH, which is an ambitious program by HAL and we are supporting the program wholeheartedly.”
“So we will do a 50-50 kind of design development. HAL will do its part, we do our part, we integrate the engine, build it in India, certify it in India, and then, of course, it opens up export potential for that engine from India because there is no other engine in that category available. So it has a market of its own.”
On the proposed advanced fighter engine programme, Gavankar said discussions with the government are underway.
“Going forward for the jet engine program, yes we are in active discussion with the government of India.”
“As and when the decision is taken, we will probably replicate the same model to provide the state-of-the-art technologies to India and meet and probably exceed the government of India expectations from such development programs.”
Interesting, they will not limit themselves to propulsion.
He said they are in talks with DRDO to integrate RDE with an existing airframe of DRDO. I think they are going to integrate the RDE with DRDO STAR for flight tests. After engine certification they will work on full system.
Tata Projects partners with Canadian firm MDS Aero to advance aero-engine testing infra in India
The collaboration brings together Tata Projects’ advanced infrastructure capabilities and MDS Aero Support's global expertisein gas turbine engine testing, a company statement said.
Tata Projects on Monday said it has forged a strategic partnership with Canada-based MDS Aero Support Corporation to advance aero-engine testing infrastructure in India.
The collaboration brings together Tata Projects’ advanced infrastructure capabilities and MDS Aero Support's global expertise in gas turbine engine testing, a company statement said.
The companies aim to support the development of advanced testing infrastructure for India’s rapidly growing aerospace and propulsion ecosystem, it added.
Under the partnership, Tata Projects will lead key infrastructure elements including civil and structural works, MEP, high-air-pressure systems, HVAC, high-temperature exhaust systems, cooling-water systems and associated site infrastructure.
MDS will bring its specialised expertise in the design, engineering, supply, integration, commissioning and lifecycle support of advanced gas turbine engine test facilities and systems.
Rajiv Menon, President and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Tata Projects, said India’s aerospace ecosystem is moving into a new phase, with growing ambitions across aircraft manufacturing, propulsion, testing and advanced technologies, and the infrastructure supporting these capabilities will be equally important.
Joe Hajjar, Chief Revenue Officer, MDS Aero Support Corporation, said:" Together, we bring a strong combination of local execution capability and global engine-testing expertise to support India’s growing aerospace sector, while also helping to strengthen aerospace and technology ties between Canada and India."
Founded in 1985, MDS has delivered gas turbine engine testing projects in more than 27 countries and has developed turnkey test capabilities for engine components across the aviation, defence and industrial markets.
The collaboration brings together Tata Projects’ advanced infrastructure capabilities and MDS Aero Support's global expertisein gas turbine engine testing, a company statement said.
Tata Projects on Monday said it has forged a strategic partnership with Canada-based MDS Aero Support Corporation to advance aero-engine testing infrastructure in India.
The collaboration brings together Tata Projects’ advanced infrastructure capabilities and MDS Aero Support's global expertise in gas turbine engine testing, a company statement said.
The companies aim to support the development of advanced testing infrastructure for India’s rapidly growing aerospace and propulsion ecosystem, it added.
Under the partnership, Tata Projects will lead key infrastructure elements including civil and structural works, MEP, high-air-pressure systems, HVAC, high-temperature exhaust systems, cooling-water systems and associated site infrastructure.
MDS will bring its specialised expertise in the design, engineering, supply, integration, commissioning and lifecycle support of advanced gas turbine engine test facilities and systems.
Rajiv Menon, President and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Tata Projects, said India’s aerospace ecosystem is moving into a new phase, with growing ambitions across aircraft manufacturing, propulsion, testing and advanced technologies, and the infrastructure supporting these capabilities will be equally important.
Joe Hajjar, Chief Revenue Officer, MDS Aero Support Corporation, said:" Together, we bring a strong combination of local execution capability and global engine-testing expertise to support India’s growing aerospace sector, while also helping to strengthen aerospace and technology ties between Canada and India."
Founded in 1985, MDS has delivered gas turbine engine testing projects in more than 27 countries and has developed turnkey test capabilities for engine components across the aviation, defence and industrial markets.
For a commerce graduate from Presidency college with a PG in Economics from JNU of all places , his grasp over physics , missile tech rocketry & defence issues is exceptional.
Good to see a long time defence commentator finally put his money where his mouth is .
For once a member of a talk shop which is what fora like Strat Front, B R F etc are, has delivered & how?
Very happy for Saurav Jha.
Good to see a long time defence commentator finally put his money where his mouth is .
For once a member of a talk shop which is what fora like Strat Front, B R F etc are, has delivered & how?
Very happy for Saurav Jha.
India expands Shakti engine production for Dhruv, Prachand helicopters
HAL currently produces 80 Ardiden 1H1 Shakti engines annually at its Bengaluru facility, and the new production line will raise its annual capacity to 180 engines
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will on Tuesday inaugurate a second production line for Shakti engines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Koraput facility in Odisha, aimed at meeting the growing engine requirements of indigenous helicopters, including the Dhruv advanced light helicopter and Prachand light combat helicopter.
HAL currently produces 80 Ardiden 1H1 Shakti engines annually at its Bengaluru facility, and the new production line will raise its annual capacity to 180 engines, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. The Shakti engine was co-developed with French aerospace major Safran. The second production line represents an investment of ₹218 crore.
On Tuesday, HAL’s Koraput engine division will also deliver its 2,000th engine, the AL-31FP that powers the Sukhoi-30MKI, another milestone in the facility’s decades-long contribution to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing and the military’s operational readiness, the officials said.
The facility has produced the R-11, R-25, R-29 and RD-33 engines for different MiG variants, including MiG-21, Mig-27 and MiG-29, operated by the Indian Air Force.
Two years ago, the defence ministry signed a contract with HAL for 240 aero-engines worth ₹26,000 crore for the Su-30 fighters. HAL will supply 30 AL-31FP engines annually from Koraput, completing delivery in eight years.
The IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s and will receive 12 additional fighters to make up for planes lost in accidents. HAL estimates that the air force will require around 900 engines over the Su-30 fleet’s lifetime.
The engines are being built in Koraput from the raw material stage with technology transfer from Russia; only some spares, forgings and castings are expected to be imported. The final lot of engines will have an indigenous content of up to 63%.
Building indigenous aero-engine capability is a critical component of the government’s vision to transform India from a buyer of defence equipment into a manufacturer of platforms, given the strategic importance and technological complexity of engine systems, the defence ministry said.
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for building jet engines in the country, highlighting a stark technology gap and stressing that self-reliance will be central to India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, crucial for the IAF to shore up its fighter fleet, is running behind schedule due to several reasons, including a delay in the supply of F404-IN20 engines by US firm GE Aerospace. HAL is also negotiating with GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India for the more advanced LCA Mk-2 programme.
India is also in talks with global engine makers such as Safran and Rolls Royce to build domestic capabilities.
HAL currently produces 80 Ardiden 1H1 Shakti engines annually at its Bengaluru facility, and the new production line will raise its annual capacity to 180 engines
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will on Tuesday inaugurate a second production line for Shakti engines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Koraput facility in Odisha, aimed at meeting the growing engine requirements of indigenous helicopters, including the Dhruv advanced light helicopter and Prachand light combat helicopter.
HAL currently produces 80 Ardiden 1H1 Shakti engines annually at its Bengaluru facility, and the new production line will raise its annual capacity to 180 engines, officials aware of the matter said on Tuesday. The Shakti engine was co-developed with French aerospace major Safran. The second production line represents an investment of ₹218 crore.
On Tuesday, HAL’s Koraput engine division will also deliver its 2,000th engine, the AL-31FP that powers the Sukhoi-30MKI, another milestone in the facility’s decades-long contribution to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing and the military’s operational readiness, the officials said.
The facility has produced the R-11, R-25, R-29 and RD-33 engines for different MiG variants, including MiG-21, Mig-27 and MiG-29, operated by the Indian Air Force.
Two years ago, the defence ministry signed a contract with HAL for 240 aero-engines worth ₹26,000 crore for the Su-30 fighters. HAL will supply 30 AL-31FP engines annually from Koraput, completing delivery in eight years.
The IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s and will receive 12 additional fighters to make up for planes lost in accidents. HAL estimates that the air force will require around 900 engines over the Su-30 fleet’s lifetime.
The engines are being built in Koraput from the raw material stage with technology transfer from Russia; only some spares, forgings and castings are expected to be imported. The final lot of engines will have an indigenous content of up to 63%.
Building indigenous aero-engine capability is a critical component of the government’s vision to transform India from a buyer of defence equipment into a manufacturer of platforms, given the strategic importance and technological complexity of engine systems, the defence ministry said.
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for building jet engines in the country, highlighting a stark technology gap and stressing that self-reliance will be central to India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, crucial for the IAF to shore up its fighter fleet, is running behind schedule due to several reasons, including a delay in the supply of F404-IN20 engines by US firm GE Aerospace. HAL is also negotiating with GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India for the more advanced LCA Mk-2 programme.
India is also in talks with global engine makers such as Safran and Rolls Royce to build domestic capabilities.
HAL Koraput Delivers 2,000th Aero-Engine, Marking Six Decades of Propulsion Manufacturing
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh calls for strengthening indigenous design, development, testing and manufacturing of advanced aero-engines
AL-31FP production capacity to rise from 30 to 50 engines annually with Rs 335 crore investment
Second Shakti engine production line to be established with Rs 218 crore investment; capacity to reach up to 100 engines annually
Government pursuing indigenous high-thrust engine programme with investment of about Rs 5,000 crore
Posted On: 06 OCT 2026 4:57PM by PIB DelhiRaksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division and announced the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines on October 06, 2026. Describing the milestone as a significant achievement in India’s aerospace journey, he called for strengthening indigenous capabilities in the design, development, testing, manufacturing and maintenance of advanced aero-engines, stressing that mastery of propulsion technology is essential for self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector.
Congratulating the engineers, technicians, scientists and skilled workforce of HAL Koraput, Shri Rajnath Singh said the delivery of 2,000 engines represents 2,000 significant contributions to the operational capability of the Defence Forces and reflects six decades of engineering expertise and technological experience since the Division was established in 1964.
The Raksha Mantri highlighted HAL Koraput’s contribution to military aviation, noting that its engines have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. He stated that while production provides new capability, overhaul extends service life, making both critical for military preparedness. He appreciated HAL Koraput’s indigenous repair and overhaul capability, with more than 9,000 engines overhauled so far, and noted that indigenisation of components and reduced turnaround time are contributing to operational readiness and extended service life of critical defence assets.
Describing the aero-engine as the ‘heart’ of an aircraft, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that reliable propulsion is essential to effectively utilise advanced airframes, radars, weapons and avionics. He highlighted the need for expertise in precision manufacturing, advanced materials, metallurgy, cooling technologies, testing and stringent quality assurance. He noted that aero-engine technology combines advanced superalloys, thermal-barrier coatings and sophisticated cooling systems for reliable performance under extreme conditions, making mastery of propulsion technology a mastery of some of the most advanced industrial capabilities.
Raksha Mantri underlined that aerospace self-reliance must extend to indigenous aero-engine capability, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. He highlighted the proposed investment of around Rs 5,000 crore, indigenisation of raw materials in partnership with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and establishment of India’s first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility. He stressed that a sovereign aerospace ecosystem requires indigenous capabilities across materials, design, manufacturing, testing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO).
Highlighting HAL’s performance in meeting Defence Forces’ requirements, Shri Rajnath Singh noted that the Government placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024 for the Su-30MKI. Despite global supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges, HAL delivered the first engine ahead of schedule and has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year.
Raksha Mantri announced that HAL is enhancing annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines with an investment of Rs 335 crore. He also announced a second Shakti engine production line with an investment of Rs 218 crore. The new line will manufacture up to 100 engines annually and is scheduled to be fully established by 2028-29, catering to indigenous helicopters including Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
Emphasising the need for reliable indigenous propulsion for India’s helicopter ecosystem, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the Defence Forces require engines that are available when needed, supported throughout their lifecycle and upgraded with evolving technology. He noted that aero-engine development is a long-term endeavour requiring sustained investment, specialised testing, skilled manpower and a strong industrial ecosystem, with focus on repeatable, reliable and scalable production, design, critical materials and superalloys.
Raksha Mantri called for greater integration of MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academia and research institutions into the propulsion ecosystem. He called upon HAL to develop Koraput not merely as an engine production facility but as a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by nurturing suppliers, mentoring MSMEs, supporting start-ups and young engineers, collaborating with universities and research institutions, and developing capabilities for critical components.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing importance in the defence and aerospace ecosystem, Shri Rajnath Singh noted the State’s strategic location, long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower. He stated that strategic infrastructure, including DRDO’s Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, along with recent initiatives of the Odisha Government, provides a strong foundation for growth of the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Appreciating the initiatives of the Odisha Government, under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Raksha Mantri highlighted the approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara, Dhenkanal. He called upon HAL to develop Koraput as a nucleus of a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by developing suppliers, mentoring MSMEs, providing opportunities to young engineers and start-ups in advanced technology areas, collaborating with universities and research institutions, creating opportunities for skilled local youth, and developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities for critical engine components.
Urging the HAL Koraput team to raise standards in quality, productivity, indigenisation, innovation and delivery timelines, Shri Rajnath Singh described the 2,000th engine as a significant milestone and called for using it as a foundation to build an Indian aerospace industry capable of designing, developing, manufacturing and supporting advanced propulsion systems. He congratulated the HAL Koraput team, Indian Air Force, industry partners, MSMEs, scientists, engineers, technicians and the people of Odisha on the occasion.
Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), HAL Shri Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), MIDHANI Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty and Joint Secretary (Aerospace Wing & DOMW) Ms Manisha Chandra were also present on the occasion.