Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL) has just landed another milestone contract—this time to manufacture the main fuselage for Airbus’s bestselling H125 helicopter. For Indian aerospace, this isn’t just big news for Mahindra—it’s a powerful showcase of the country’s “Make in India” ambitions taking flight in a global market.
Airbus-Mahindra: Deepening Aerospace Ties
The new deal comes on the heels of MASPL’s contract, signed just five months back, to manufacture the H130 helicopter’s fuselage. The rapid back-to-back wins validate Mahindra’s growing global reputation and India’s ability to deliver high-precision engineering for the world’s top aerospace names.
Production for both the H125 and H130 will be anchored in MASPL’s Bengaluru facility, which is being scaled up to handle the latest workload. Industrialisation has already begun, and the first deliveries for the H125 fuselage are targeted for 2027. These made-in-India fuselages won’t just serve local demand, but will be integrated directly into Airbus Helicopters’ international supply chain—positioning India as a real force in the global ecosystem.
Karnataka: India’s Aerospace Powerhouse
This contract is just one piece of the larger picture emerging in Karnataka, and especially Bengaluru, as India’s undisputed aerospace manufacturing hub. Airbus didn’t just tap Mahindra for sub-assemblies—in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems, the company is setting up two critical final assembly lines in the state: one for the H125 helicopters in Kolar (slated for launch in 2026, with an annual target of 10 helicopters), and another for the C295 military aircraft. These facilities complete the chain from design and manufacturing to assembly, maintenance, and training, making India indispensable in the Airbus global value chain.
Currently, Airbus sources about $1.4 billion in components and services from India each year—a number that keeps growing as more complex work moves here.
Voices from the Top
Chairman Anand Mahindra summed up the spirit of this achievement: “Great news for our Group, but I’m even more delighted by this validation of the country’s Make in India ambitions—and of the country’s capability to find new markets overseas.” Both Airbus and Mahindra emphasize this isn’t just a one-off project—it’s a blueprint for growing partnership and a definitive signal of trust in Indian talent and engineering.
“Airbus Helicopters has awarded a contract to Mahindra
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 28, 2025
Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL), as an additional source, to manufacture the main fuselage
of the best-selling H125 helicopter,(MASPL), “
Great news for our Group, but I’m even more delighted by this validation of the… pic.twitter.com/O3YmxsnKaC
Why the H125 Contract Matters
The H125 is one of the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopters—used globally for passenger transport, law enforcement, rescue missions, and more. Bringing its core manufacturing to India highlights a shift: Indian facilities are now seen on par with the best in the world, able to serve the most demanding clients worldwide.
For the Indian aerospace industry, these contracts mean more jobs, more training, and an opportunity to build a world-class ecosystem—from simple components to complete assemblies and final aircraft.
What is Fuselage?
The fuselage is the main body of an aircraft or helicopter.
It’s the central structure that:
- Holds the cockpit (where pilots sit)
- Carries passengers or cargo
- Connects to the wings, tail, and landing gear
In simple terms, it’s like the spine or backbone of the aircraft where everything else is attached.
H125 Vs. H130
The H125 and H130 are both single-engine helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter). They are part of Airbus’s H125/H130 family (previously known as the AS350 Écureuil family). Both are lightweight, versatile helicopters used globally for passenger transport, emergency medical services, tourism, aerial work, and law enforcement.
| Feature | H125 | H130 |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 6 passengers + 1 pilot | 7 passengers + 1 pilot |
| Noise Level | Standard | Much quieter (meets stricter noise standards) |
| Cabin Space | Standard | Larger, more comfortable cabin |
| Best For | High-altitude missions, aerial work | Tourism, VIP, urban flights |
| Market Focus | Utility + Commercial | Comfort + Tourism + Private Use |
The Bigger Picture
Airbus and Mahindra’s growing collaboration, backed by projects across Karnataka, is creating new opportunities and drawing the world’s eye to India’s aerospace sector. The latest MASPL contract doesn’t just boost business for Mahindra—it strengthens India’s voice in global aviation and proves that “Make in India” is not just a slogan, but a fast-growing reality for the world stage.
Check out: Airbus has teamed up with Tata to manufacture Helicopters in Karnataka
