The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) could soon approve the design development of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL's) Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), with a ₹13,500 crore allocation cleared by the costing committee, according to sources familiar with the matter. As reported by CNBC Awaaz, the proposal is now expected to move before the CCS for consideration, with approval for the first phase of the programme likely to focus on the design development of the indigenous medium-lift helicopter. A potential CCS approval would move the IMRH programme closer to the detailed development stage and strengthen India's focus on domestically designed and manufactured military platforms.
The IMRH programme is being developed by HAL as an indigenous medium-lift helicopter for the Indian armed forces, envisaged to eventually replace the Indian Air Force's ageing fleet of Russian-origin Mi-17 helicopters. According to the report, the helicopter is being developed for the 13-tonne class, intended to meet the operational requirements of the armed forces and serve as the primary platform for both the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. The naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), is being developed for the Indian Navy, with both platforms requiring the same engine technology.
Last month, HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines signed the final contract with their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, to develop and manufacture the Aravalli, a new-generation, high-power turboshaft engine. As reported by CNBC Awaaz, the Aravalli has been selected to power both the 13-tonne IMRH and its naval variant, the DBMRH, which are both twin-engine platforms requiring integrated engine development, testing, and manufacturing. Both helicopters are twin-engine platforms, meaning the Aravalli will have to be developed, integrated and tested before either platform can enter operational service.
The Aravalli is being developed for medium-lift helicopters in the 3,500-4,000 shaft-horsepower class, covering the complete product cycle including design and development, manufacturing, supply and lifecycle support. According to the report, the engine development schedule will have a direct bearing on the timelines of both helicopter programmes, as both platforms require the same engine technology for operational service. The engine development contract covers the engine's complete product lifecycle, including design and development, manufacturing, supply and lifecycle support, making successful development and integration an important milestone before the IMRH and DBMRH can progress towards operational service.
The potential CCS approval would mark an important step for the programme, moving it closer to the development phase as India seeks to strengthen its domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. As reported by CNBC Awaaz, the IMRH programme is closely linked to the development of the new-generation helicopter engine, with both initiatives advancing India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The programme represents a significant step toward reducing India's dependence on foreign military aircraft and strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, forming part of India's broader push to develop advanced military platforms within the country.
