Airbus has shortlisted eight locations in India to build its single-engine H125 helicopters. This will be the first private sector civil helicopter assembly line in the country. “The final decision on the location is almost done. We will announce where the H125 will be built in India soon. Factors include how attractive the location is for our employees, its suitability for industrial activities, and the logistics ecosystem,” said Olivier Michalon, executive vice president at Airbus Helicopters.
The groundbreaking for the new facility is expected around the end of the year. Airbus and Tata will start by producing ten helicopters a year, increasing production as orders grow. The H125 helicopters will also be exported to South Asian countries.
Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) announced their partnership to assemble the helicopters in India in January 2024. This supports the “Make in India” initiative and was discussed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is setting up in India. They are also working with TASL on a ₹21,935-crore project to equip the Indian Air Force with 56 C-295 aircraft. Sixteen planes will be delivered in flyaway condition, and the rest will be assembled in a Tata facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Airbus believes the experience with the C-295 project will help with the H125 project. “We share information within the group and learn from best practices,” Michalon said. The first “made in India” H125 will be ready in 2026. These helicopters are currently produced in France, the US, and Brazil.
At the Indian facility, TASL will handle major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, flight controls, hydraulic circuits, fuel systems, and the engine. Airbus Helicopters will support and guide this work, including training Indian personnel in France.
The H125’s engine and gearbox will come from France, the main airframe from Germany, and the tail boom from Spain. The goal is to replicate the same quality and safety standards as the H125 production line in France.
The 2.8-tonne H125 can carry up to six passengers, fly at a maximum altitude of 23,000 feet, has a range of 630 km, and a top speed of 250 km/h. It is suited for commercial transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services, disaster management, offshore industry, and firefighting.
The military helicopter market in India is strong, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) producing several platforms. Aviation expert Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd) said it is important for the private sector to step in. “The H125s from India will be sold to other countries too. It will enhance India’s visibility as an exporter,” he said.
