DEFENCE MINISTER INAUGURATES HALSAFRAN JV FOR HELICOPTER ENGINES

Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar inaugurated Helicopter Engines Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Pvt Limited (HE-MRO), a joint venture of HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines (SafranHE), France, at Sattari district, north Goa, on October 23. The JV will provide MRO services for Safran TM333 2B2 and HAL Shakti engines installed on HAL-built helicopters operated by the Indian armed forces. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Defence said “This is a step towards creating employment opportunities with corresponding boost to the economic activities in Goa”. Elaborating on the project, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL T. Suvarna Raju said: “The JV reflects the longstanding relationship between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines. The JV brings about synergy of the expertise from HAL and Safran-HE in the field of repair and overhaul of Safran family of engines. The MRO Centre plans to progressively support engines of international operators and other engines as mutually agreed between the partners. In addition to carrying out overhaul activities at Goa, the JV will also provide support through certified maintenance centres located centrally at customer bases.” CEO Safran Helicopter Engines Bruno Even said: “HE-MRO marks a new step in the longlasting and fruitful partnership between Safran and HAL.” With a fleet of over 1,000 engines, including 250 TM333 and 250 Shakti, the Indian armed forces are one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines.