In a groundbreaking development that heralds a new era for the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Airbus Helicopters has entered into a strategic partnership with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters within the country. This historic collaboration signifies the first instance of the private sector taking the lead in setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program.
Under this transformative alliance, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, will join hands with Airbus Helicopters to co-manufacture the renowned H125 single-engine helicopters, a cornerstone of Airbus’ civil range. These helicopters are intended for both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries. Moreover, the partnership extends beyond helicopters, encompassing the collaborative production of a minimum of 40 C-295 transport aircraft in India. TASL will oversee the assembly of these aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The demand for single-engine helicopters in India has been on the rise, catering to various sectors such as high-net-worth individuals, goods transportation, and emergency medical services. Reports suggest an immediate demand for 600-800 helicopters from interested buyers, making this collaboration timely and significant. The H130, another offering from Airbus, has already established itself in roles spanning tourist destinations, VIP duties, medical airlifts, and surveillance missions.
This momentous announcement was unveiled during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership and Republic Day festivities.
At a special media briefing in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra shared that agreements on a defense-industrial roadmap and a defense space partnership were reached during this visit, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
The deal was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India, he said.
About the Collaboration
The Tata-Airbus H125 collaboration aims to address the burgeoning demand for helicopters in India, with applications ranging from high-net-worth individuals to the transportation of goods and responding to medical emergencies. The market potential for this type of aircraft in India is evident, with an immediate demand for up to 800 helicopters, according to information available in the public domain.
The foundation stone for the Tata-Airbus facility was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, a significant moment marking India’s entry into a select group of nations capable of producing C-295 transport aircraft. Airbus and TASL have already forged multiple agreements, with TASL recently announcing its agreement to manufacture and supply components to Airbus for commercial jets, including the A320 and A350.
The Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India will play a pivotal role in integrating major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems. Tasks such as the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and the engine will also be carried out at this facility.
Additionally, the FAL will be responsible for testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the broader region. The establishment of the FAL is expected to take 24 months, with the first ‘Made in India’ H125s slated for delivery in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.
“Helicopters are crucial for nation building. A ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter will not only be a symbol of the confident New India but will also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country,” stated Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
He emphasized that the helicopter final assembly line is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This facility follows the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, representing the second final assembly line built by Airbus in India.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. He noted that the facility would host the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter, catering to both Indian and export markets.
About the Helicopter:
Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India is poised to catalyze the use of helicopters in the country. As a multi-mission workhorse, it is set to revolutionize passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions. The H125’s contribution to the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) – will enhance last-mile connectivity to remote areas, further promoting the tourism sector.
The H125 holds the distinction of being the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, surpassing its counterparts in the category. Part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, it has accumulated an impressive 38 million flight hours worldwide. Its capabilities include operation in high-and-hot and extreme environments, with easy reconfiguration for various missions such as aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport.
A testament to its versatility, the H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in operating in high-altitude, extreme environments.
The proposed helicopter manufacturing facility adds to the ongoing collaboration between Airbus and TASL, building on their capabilities in aerospace and defense. Apart from the helicopter FAL, the two companies are concurrently engaged in establishing a C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.
This comprehensive announcement reflects Airbus’ commitment to developing a holistic aerospace ecosystem in India. Beyond aircraft assembly, the company is expanding its industrial footprint to include component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaboration. This multifaceted approach underscores Airbus’ dedication to fostering human capital and contributing significantly to India’s aerospace industry.