SkyPulse Solutions IFSC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to establish a domestic ecosystem for the acquisition, financing, leasing, deployment and lifecycle support of Indian-manufactured helicopters. The proposed 30-helicopter programme is valued at around ₹2,491 crore.
Under the proposed programme, SkyPulse plans to acquire up to 30 HAL-manufactured helicopters in phases. The programme will include a mix of single-engine and twin-engine platforms, with the initial phase covering 10 helicopters between 2027 and 2029, followed by 20 additional helicopters from 2030 onwards. The first induction is currently planned for FY 2027–28, subject to technical evaluations, financing arrangements, regulatory approvals and definitive agreements.
The partnership will use SkyPulse’s aviation leasing and financing platform at GIFT City IFSC to explore finance and operating leases, direct purchases, sale-and-leaseback arrangements and other structured financing options. The companies also aim to develop lifecycle support covering maintenance, engineering services, spare parts and training.
The proposed helicopters are intended for deployment across civil, government and mission-critical applications, including helicopter emergency medical services, search and rescue, disaster response, regional connectivity, tourism, infrastructure and charter operations.
The partnership brings together HAL’s indigenous helicopter manufacturing capabilities with SkyPulse’s leasing, financing and asset-management platform. It is aimed at strengthening the domestic civil helicopter ecosystem and creating a wider value chain around Indian-manufactured helicopters.
Mr. Gagan Jacobs Director, SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Private Limited, said, “This MoU marks a defining milestone for SkyPulse and for the evolution of India’s civil helicopter ecosystem. Our vision is not simply to acquire and lease helicopters; it is to build an integrated, commercially sustainable helicopter ecosystem that brings together indigenous manufacturing, innovative aviation finance, leasing, asset management, lifecycle support and mission-ready operations.”
He further added, “By combining HAL’s world-class indigenous aerospace capabilities with SkyPulse’s platform at GIFT City, we aim to create a scalable model through which Indian-manufactured helicopters can be deployed where they are needed most — from HEMS and air ambulance services to disaster response, search and rescue, regional connectivity, infrastructure and other critical missions.”
The proposed 30-helicopter programme is an important first step in this journey. Our ambition is to develop a long-term platform that supports the growth of India’s helicopter industry, strengthens domestic capabilities and creates new opportunities for financing, leasing, MRO, training and mission support.