Rafale engine-maker & HAL join hands to power India's Russian Mi-17 challenger

State-run plane maker HAL & France’s Safran inked a deal to develop chopper engines. The partnership is expected to focus on powering India’s 13-ton multirole helicopter. The Indian helicopter is expected to compete with Russian Mi-17s in global markets.. The chopper in the making holds promise, 30+ Air Forces use Mi-17-type choppers. The Indian chopper will be capable of anti-submarine warfare & assault operations.