Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), India’s premier private sector player for aerospace and defence solutions, has joined hands with Airbus Helicopters to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India. This collaboration marks the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter assembly facility in India, which will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter for India and neighbouring countries.
The contract was signed at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The initiative was first announced on January 26, 2024, by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
“We are pleased to partner with Airbus to establish the final assembly line for H125 helicopters in India. This collaboration built on TASL’s expertise in airborne platforms, and the strength of our ongoing partnership with the Airbus Group, aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and addresses India’s growing helicopter market potential. The project will enhance helicopter manufacturing capabilities in India, and support the growth of civil aviation in India,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
“India is a country with great potential for helicopters and we believe that there is no better way to unlock this promising market than with a ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter. We are confident that a locally assembled helicopter will open new civil and parapublic markets such as the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services and other public services, making helicopters a critical component of nation-building,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The FAL will handle the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and the engine. It will also conduct testing and qualification of the helicopters.
Helicopters assembled at this facility will be delivered to customers in India and its neighboring countries. The first deliveries of the ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to commence in 2026. TASL and Airbus Helicopters are well advanced in their joint selection of the FAL location, which will be announced soon.
The H125, part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, boasting over 40 million flight hours worldwide. Known for its high performance and versatility, the H125 can operate in extreme environments and be reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport. Notably, the H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its capability in high-altitude conditions.