Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will establish India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) to produce Airbus H125 helicopters at Vemagal, Karnataka. This milestone project marks a major step in expanding India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and is expected to unlock the full potential of the rotorcraft market across South Asia.
The Made in India H125 will cater to both civil and para-public sectors while meeting the Indian Armed Forces’ need for a light, multi-role helicopter — particularly suited for operations in high-altitude areas such as the Himalayas. A military version, the H125M, will also be developed at this facility, featuring extensive use of locally produced components and technologies. The first Indian-assembled H125 helicopter is expected to roll out by early 2027 and will also be available for export to South Asian countries.
“India is an ideal country for helicopter operations. Building the H125 here will help grow the market and make helicopters an integral part of national infrastructure,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. “We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Tata through this new venture.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, added, “We are proud to be the first private Indian company to manufacture helicopters. This project strengthens our position in both civil and defence aviation. It is our second final assembly line with Airbus and underlines Tata’s growing role in India’s aerospace sector.”
TASL’s entry into helicopter manufacturing builds on its deep experience in aerospace and defence production. The company will oversee the assembly, integration, and testing of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, culminating in final flight tests before delivery.
The H125 project is expected to significantly boost India’s aviation industry, supporting both civil and defence applications. The Made in India H125 will serve critical roles such as medical evacuation, disaster response, tourism, and law enforcement. Meanwhile, the H125M variant will further India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by strengthening domestic military helicopter manufacturing.
Airbus’ partnership with India dates back more than six decades, starting with its collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce the iconic Cheetah and Chetak helicopters—both of which have served India’s armed forces with distinction. The H125M is seen as a natural successor to these aircraft.
This new FAL marks TASL’s second major collaboration with Airbus, following the C295 military transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. Together, these projects reflect Airbus’ long-term commitment to developing a complete aerospace ecosystem in India — spanning manufacturing, design, assembly, maintenance, digital technologies, and skill development. Airbus currently sources over $1.4 billion worth of components and services annually from India, including complex systems such as aircraft doors, flap-track beams, and helicopter cabin structures.
The H125 is the world’s leading single-engine helicopter, renowned for its performance, versatility, and reliability. Part of Airbus’ Écureuil family, which has logged more than 40 million flight hours globally, it is capable of operating in extreme and high-altitude conditions. The H125 is also the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest — a testament to its power and adaptability.
