Tata and Airbus launch 'Made in India' H125 helicopter production in Karnataka

In a significant boost to India's aerospace manufacturing sector, Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have inaugurated a new Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the H125 helicopter. The facility, located in Vemagal, Karnataka, was virtually launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring the deepening India-France 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.

This collaboration marks the establishment of India's first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line, a major milestone for the country's 'Make in India' and 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiatives. The first 'Made in India' H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in early 2027.

A New Hub for Helicopter Production

The Vemagal facility will be responsible for the final assembly of the Airbus Helicopters H125, integrating major component assemblies and equipping them for both civil and parapublic missions. These roles include emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and passenger transport.

Beyond serving the domestic market, the facility is also positioned to export the H125 to other countries in the South Asian region. This move is expected to create a robust local supply chain and enhance indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

The Proven H125 Helicopter

The H125, previously known as the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil, is the world's best-selling single-engine helicopter. The Écureuil family of helicopters has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours globally, proving its reliability and versatility.

One of the H125's most notable achievements is its high-altitude performance. It holds the world record as the only helicopter to have ever landed and taken off from the summit of Mount Everest, at an altitude of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). This capability makes it exceptionally suited for operations in challenging environments.

Strategic and Military Implications

The establishment of the FAL is a testament to the growing strategic alignment between India and France. It not only strengthens industrial cooperation but also opens avenues for future defense collaborations.

The military variant, the H125M, is being positioned as a potential successor to India's aging fleets of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Local production could provide a significant advantage in modernizing the country's light utility helicopter capabilities.

Get breaking commercial aviation news and expert airline analysis at flying.flights. Discover how innovation is shaping aviation through aircraft systems, avionics, and digital tools at flying.flights/technology.