TATA and Airbus Partner to Assemble H125 Helicopters in India

Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus Helicopters have formalized a contract to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line in India. This marks the private sector's first helicopter assembly facility in the country, aimed at enhancing India's civil aviation market. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract to set up the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India. This facility will be responsible for producing Airbus' best-selling H125 helicopter, primarily for India and its neighboring countries, as per an Airbus press release.

TASL, a leading private sector entity in aerospace and defense, announced the FAL setup on January 26, with the agreement signed at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran were present for the announcement.

The FAL will handle the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system, engine, avionics, and mission systems. It will also test and certify the helicopters. "We are pleased to partner with Airbus to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line in India, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative," said Sukaran Singh, CEO of TASL. The first 'Made in India' H125s are expected to be delivered by 2026.

Indian and neighboring countries will benefit from the FAL's helicopter output. Airbus Helicopters and TASL are finalizing the FAL's location. "We see tremendous potential in India and believe a 'Made in India' H125 helicopter will open new civil and parapublic markets," said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. The H125, known for its versatility and high performance, has landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its capabilities.