Airbus, Tata to Establish H125 Helicopter Assembly Line in India

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract to set up the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly facility. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for Indian and neighbouring markets.
The contract was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2024, following an announcement made on January 26 by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran.
The FAL will handle the installation of various systems including electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, and avionics, as well as testing and certification of the helicopters.
Deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to begin in 2026.
The location of the FAL is yet to be announced but is in the final stages of determination.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TASL, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and addresses India’s growing helicopter market potential. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the H125’s potential to open new civil and parapublic markets in India, including emergency medical services.
The H125, known for its versatility and high performance, is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter. It has accumulated over 40 million flight hours worldwide and is capable of operating in extreme environments, including high-altitude operations. The H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest.
This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing India’s helicopter manufacturing capabilities and supporting the growth of civil aviation in the country.