HAL, Safran announce joint engine partnership

BENGALURU, India, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., or HAL, and Safran Helicopter Engines announced a new joint venture that will provide maintenance and other services for the Indian military's helicopters.

The partnership will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for Safran TM333 2B2 and HAL Shakti engines installed on HAL-built helicopters operated by India's defense forces, HAL said in a statement.

Officials said the deal with create jobs and boost economic activities in Goa, where the partnership will be based.

It will also improve servicing, including the availability of spares, troubleshooting, field support and design deficiency modifications.

While carrying out overhaul activities in Goa, the agreement will also provide support through certified maintenance centers located centrally at customer bases.

India's military is one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines, including 250 TM333 engines and 250 Shakti engines.

Shakti is the Indian designation for the Safran Ardiden 1H1, and powers the HAL-designed light combat helicopter, a 3-ton, single-engine aircraft that made its maiden flight in September.