Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract to jointly develop and manufacture a new-generation helicopter engine, marking a fresh step in India’s efforts to build indigenous aerospace propulsion capabilities, according to a company filing on Wednesday. The contract, signed through their joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, covers the design, development, manufacturing, supply and lifecycle support of the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) Aravalli engine.