Airbus Partners Tata Group to Assemble H-125 Helicopter in India

Airbus Helicopters has revealed its collaboration with India’s Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters within the country.

The FAL will be responsible for producing Airbus’ H125 helicopter from its civil range, targeting both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries.

The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector in India delving into the establishment of a helicopter manufacturing facility. While touted as a boost to the Government of India’s 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program, the announcement came during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Under the partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will collaborate with Airbus Helicopters to set up the facility. The FAL in India will oversee the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, and various other components, in addition to testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 helicopters. The establishment of the FAL is expected to take 24 months, with the first 'Made in India' H125 deliveries slated for 2026. The specific location for the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.

Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, stated that this marks the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India.

The H125 is expected to bring about a transformation in various sectors, including passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions.