Sanction for Indian Multi-Role Helicopter expected by early 2024

The IMRH, expected to be ready by the end of this decade, is meant to replace the Mi-17s in service

The project sanction for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), is expected within this financial year, defence sources said.

Meanwhile, Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL have decided to set up their new joint venture company in Bengaluru, which will be dedicated to the “design, development, production, sales and support of helicopter engines” with the focus first on the IMRH, the French company announced.

The IMRH, expected to be ready by the end of this decade, is meant to replace the Mi-17s in service and will also have a naval version, the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

“The project is on schedule and HAL is utilising its own funds right now. The proof of concept is on track and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected to be submitted next month for approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS),” a defence official said.

Once sanctioned, the development is expected to take around seven years, the official added.

The project is estimated to cost around ₹10,000 crore for the two different versions, as reported by The Hindu earlier. The Coast Guard is also keen on the DBMRH customised to its requirements.

The Safran statement came just after a reference to it in the Indo-French joint statement issued on Friday, which said that to enable progress on the IMRH programme, a shareholders’ agreement between HAL, India and Safran Helicopter Engine had been concluded for engine development.