In a significant development aimed at promoting indigenous manufacturing in the aerospace sector, Airbus Helicopters has announced a partnership with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in India. This collaboration marks Airbus’ second FAL in the country, following the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat.
The FAL will focus on producing Airbus H125 helicopters from its civil range, catering to both the Indian market and neighboring countries. Notably, this venture will be the first instance of a private sector player establishing a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, aligning with the government’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.
Made in India H125 helicopters
The establishment of the FAL is expected to take 24 months, with deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters anticipated to commence in 2026. The exact location of the facility will be jointly determined by Airbus and the Tata Group, and financial details of the collaboration were not disclosed.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Civil Aviation Minister, hailed the collaboration as a historic milestone, emphasising its role in promoting indigenous manufacturing and stimulating the economy by creating diverse job opportunities. The partnership involves Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), a Tata Group subsidiary, setting up the facility in conjunction with Airbus Helicopters.
French President Emmanuel Macron, on a two-day visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations, witnessed the announcement. The FAL will play a crucial role in integrating major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems, along with testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region.
Industry experts hail New India outlook
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated that a ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter would symbolise a confident New India and unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country. Faury reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. The facility, in partnership with Airbus, will focus on the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter for both the Indian and export markets.
The multi-mission H125 is expected to revolutionise passenger and goods transportation, catering to segments such as emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions. It will also contribute significantly to the Central Government’s regional connectivity scheme ‘UDAN,’ providing last-mile connectivity to remote areas and promoting the tourism sector.
Scindia, in a post on social media platform X, said that the partnership would empower the ‘Make In India’ initiative, boost the country’s economy, create diverse opportunities for employment, unlock the potential of the Indian aerospace sector, and strengthen Indo-France relations. Earlier in the day, Scindia highlighted India’s immense potential to become a global aircraft manufacturing hub after a meeting with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
