Airbus Helicopters has collaborated with the Tata Group in a strategic partnership to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in India. As a ‘Make in India’ initiative, this collaboration is first time where the private sector takes the lead in establishing a helicopter manufacturing facility in the country, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, has recently announced to join forces with Airbus Helicopters to co-manufacture the renowned H125 single-engine helicopters, a key component of Airbus’ civil range. These helicopters are destined for both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries.
Going beyond helicopters, the collaboration extends to co-produce a minimum of 40 C-295 transport aircraft in India, with TASL overseeing the assembly of these aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The escalating demand for single-engine helicopters in India, serving diverse sectors such as high-net-worth individuals, goods transportation, and emergency medical services, has reportedly led to an immediate demand for 600-800 helicopters from interested buyers. This collaboration emerges as timely and significant to meet this increasing demand.
This announcement was made during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership and Republic Day festivities.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted that agreements on a defense-industrial roadmap and a defense space partnership were reached during the visit, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
The deal was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India.
The collaboration between Tata and Airbus for the H125 helicopter aims to meet the surging demand in India, addressing needs from high-net-worth individuals to goods transportation and emergency medical services. The market potential for this aircraft type in India is evident, with an immediate demand for up to 800 helicopters.
The foundation stone for the Tata-Airbus facility, laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, signifies India’s entry into a select group of nations capable of producing C-295 transport aircraft. Airbus and TASL have established multiple agreements, including TASL’s recent announcement to manufacture and supply components for Airbus commercial jets like the A320 and A350.
The upcoming Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India will have a pivotal role, bringing together major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems. This facility will be responsible for various tasks, including the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and the engine.
Moreover, the FAL will oversee the testing, qualification, and delivery processes for the H125 to customers in both India and the broader region. The setup of the FAL is anticipated to span a period of 24 months, and the inaugural ‘Made in India’ H125s are scheduled for delivery in 2026. The location of the FAL will be a collaborative decision between Airbus and the Tata Group.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, emphasized that the helicopter final assembly line is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This facility follows the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, representing the second final assembly line built by Airbus in India.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, conveyed his satisfaction in establishing the inaugural helicopter assembly facility in India’s private sector. He highlighted that the facility, in collaboration with Airbus, would serve as the final assembly line for the globally top-selling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter, addressing the needs of both the Indian and export markets.
The H125, acknowledged as one of the leaders in its category and manufactured in India, is poised to drive the widespread adoption of helicopters in the country. Functioning as a versatile multi-mission workhorse, it is anticipated to bring about a transformation in passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions.
The H125’s role in supporting the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) – is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity to remote areas, further boosting the tourism sector.
Globally recognized as the best-selling single-engine helicopter, the H125, part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, has accumulated an impressive 38 million flight hours worldwide. Its capabilities include efficient operation in high-and-hot and extreme environments, with easy adaptability for various missions such as aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport.
The H125 stands out as the sole versatile helicopter to have successfully landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in operating in high-altitude and extreme environments.
The proposed establishment of the helicopter manufacturing facility is a significant addition to the ongoing collaboration between Airbus and TASL, leveraging their expertise in aerospace and defense. Beyond the helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL), the two companies are concurrently involved in setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C295 military transport aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
This announcement also reflects Airbus’ vision to build a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India. In addition to aircraft assembly, the company is expanding its industrial presence to encompass component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaboration.