Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have announced a landmark collaboration to set up India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, Karnataka. This major development will see the production of Airbus H125 helicopters—widely recognized as the world’s best-selling single-engine rotorcraft—built in India, for both domestic use and export across South Asia.
Tata’s Helicopter Assembly: What’s Changing
The ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters are expected to roll out by early 2027. The project will cater to civil, para-public, and military markets, directly supporting essential services like emergency medical response, disaster relief, law enforcement, tourism, and high-altitude defence operations—particularly along India’s Himalayan borders. The facility will also develop the H125M military variant, featuring extensive indigenization of components and technologies.
Jürgen Westermeier, President & MD of Airbus India and South Asia, described India as an “ideal helicopter country” and emphasized the market-shaping potential of a locally assembled helicopter for national development. Sukaran Singh, CEO & MD of TASL, reiterated this is the first time a private Indian company will build helicopters, reinforcing Tata’s expanding capabilities in aerospace and defence. The new venture follows TASL’s previous FAL for the Airbus C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking another step in deepening the Tata-Airbus partnership for Indian manufacturing.
Industrial Impact and Strategic Extension
TASL will oversee manufacturing, system integration, and testing (mechanical, electrical, flight) of the H125 helicopters, ensuring performance and reliability across mission scenarios. The initiative is set to boost India’s aviation ecosystem, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision for self-reliance in defence and aviation technology. Eurpean aircraft manufacturer currently procures over $1.4 billion annually in components and services from India, sourcing critical items like aircraft doors, flap-track beams, and helicopter aerostructures.
The H125’s global reputation is underscored by its safety, versatility, and record for operating in extreme environments—being the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest and logging over 40 million flight hours worldwide. It offers agility, advanced avionics, and robust cabin design, making it suitable for rapid configuration for tasks such as rescue, firefighting, and transport.
Airbus Training Centre in Gurugram and Further Developments
In September 2025, They partners with Air India inaugurated a world-class pilot training centre in Gurugram, Haryana—a ₹1,000 crore joint venture designed to train over 5,000 airline pilots over the next decade to power India’s aviation expansion. The 12,000 sq. meter facility includes 10 Full Flight Simulators (FFSs) for the A320 and A350 families, alongside advanced classrooms and is fully certified by both DGCA and EASA. This marks a significant investment in India’s aviation infrastructure and workforce, supporting Air India’s and Airbuss’ ambitious fleet growth plans.
Other Notable Deals in India
- The C295 military aircraft project, executed by TASL in Vadodara, is considered a breakthrough for Indian aerospace manufacturing, modernizing the Air Force’s transport capabilities.
- It continues to support disaster relief, law enforcement, and public service missions through its diverse helicopter fleet in India, with recent orders and upgrades from state agencies and para-military units.
They also expanded its local footprint through new contracts with Mahindra Aerostructures for H125 and H130 helicopter fuselage components and continues its work with Tata (on the C295) and other domestic partners. Its helicopters are involved in critical missions across India, from public service aviation and rescue to armed forces upgrades and disaster relief
This new FAL demonstrates Airbus’ and Tata’s deep commitment to developing a holistic and self-sustaining aviation ecosystem in India, spanning manufacturing, assembly, design, maintenance, and training. The partnership promises to accelerate both civil and military rotorcraft capabilities, cementing India’s role as a regional hub for advanced aerospace technology.
