The Indian government is preparing to take a major step towards self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected to soon grant final approval for the design and development phase of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
This development follows the recent clearance of a Rs 13,500 crore allocation by the government's costing committee.
Spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the IMRH programme aims to deliver an indigenous, 13-tonne medium-lift helicopter designed specifically for the Indian armed forces.
HAL has already invested approximately Rs 4,000 crore from its internal funds to kick-start the project. The new Rs 13,500 crore funding will fast-track the formal design and prototype development phases.
Replacing the Mighty Mi-17
The primary objective of the IMRH programme is to gradually replace the aging fleet of over 240 Russian-origin Mi-17 transport helicopters currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.The IMRH is being designed to handle a wide variety of missions, including:
- Tactical troop transport and air assault operations
- VIP and VVIP transport
- Combat search and rescue (CSAR) and casualty evacuation
- Carrying heavy external cargo (underslung loads)
- Special operations and commando insertion
With a main rotor diameter of 21.2 metres, the design places a strong emphasis on delivering high performance and hover capability in extreme high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.
The Naval Variant: DBMRH
Alongside the standard IMRH, a specialized 12.5-tonne naval variant known as the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) is being developed for the Indian Navy.Designed to operate from the decks of aircraft carriers and frontline warships, the DBMRH will feature folding rotor blades and a modified tail boom design to fit inside restricted warship hangars.
The 'Aravalli' Engine Breakthrough
The success of both the IMRH and DBMRH relies heavily on the development of a powerful new-generation helicopter engine.On August 26, 2026, HAL and France’s Safran Helicopter Engines signed a landmark contract through their 50:50 joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd.
They will jointly design, develop, and manufacture a high-power turboshaft engine named Aravalli.
Operating in the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft-horsepower (shp) class, two Aravalli engines will power each IMRH and DBMRH.
Because both helicopters are twin-engine platforms, the timeline of the Aravalli’s development, testing, and certification directly dictates when the helicopters will take their first flight and enter operational service.
The engine development is currently expected to be completed by 2032-2033.
Securing the Rs 13,500 crore CCS approval will officially push the IMRH from the drawing board into the manufacturing phase. It is a critical milestone that promises to significantly boost India’s domestic defence ecosystem and reduce reliance on imported military hardware.
