Airbus Helicopters
India is set to deliver its first ‘Made in India’ Airbus H125 helicopter in early 2027, a milestone that will boost both domestic and regional aviation capabilities.
The announcement underscores India’s growing role in aerospace manufacturing, with the project also opening avenues for exports across South Asia.
The country’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the Airbus H125. Operated by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the facility will be based in Vemagal, Karnataka.
Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted India’s suitability for helicopter operations.
“A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help position rotorcraft as vital for nation-building,” he said, adding that Airbus is pleased to expand its collaboration with Tata.
The partnership aims not only to serve India’s civil aviation needs but also to support para-public missions and the armed forces. With its light multi-role capability, the H125 will prove valuable in challenging terrains such as the Himalayan frontiers.
Expanding Civil & Defence Use
Plans are already in place for a military version, the H125M, to be built from the same Indian facility. This version will include high levels of indigenised components and advanced technologies, strengthening India’s defence self-reliance.
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TASL, said, “We are proud to be the first private company in India to build helicopters. This reinforces our partnership with Airbus and bolsters India’s civil and defence sectors.”
India’s aviation industry is expected to grow significantly as the project creates opportunities for advanced aerospace technologies and skilled employment. TASL, already experienced in fixed-wing aircraft production, contributes strongly to helicopter manufacturing.
Operators can deploy the versatile Airbus H125 for emergency medical services, disaster response, tourism, law enforcement, and other critical applications. With this development, India takes a decisive step towards becoming a global hub for rotorcraft production.
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