Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will co-finance the Indian Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) program with the Government of India, forming a strategic funding partnership that aligns with India’s indigenous rotorcraft plan.
HAL will contribute 30% of the project’s cost from internal resources, demonstrating its commitment to self-reliance in advanced helicopter technology. Once formal clearance is acquired, the government would provide the remaining 70% through capital grants.
The funding arrangement is still subject to approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which will determine if the DBMRH is consistent with the overarching Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) architecture.
This stage guarantees that the naval variant evolves in tandem with the main IMRH program, reducing duplication and maximising design and production synergies throughout the rotorcraft family.
The CCS examination will also consider the program’s integration with HAL and Safran’s Aravalli engine joint venture. Synchronizing the DBMRH development timetable with that of the locally made Aravalli turboshaft engine will be key to obtaining full indigenous propulsion capability for both land-based and naval variants.
The DBMRH, conceptualized as the marine descendant of the IMRH, is intended for deck-based operations aboard Indian Navy vessels such as frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. It will perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and utility transport missions in demanding sea-state and corrosion-prone conditions.
Once approved, the project will be a significant step in replacing legacy fleets and achieving India’s goal of complete self-reliance in medium-lift helicopter systems.
