In a landmark initiative for India’s aerospace sector, TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), in collaboration with Airbus, will establish the country’s first private-sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) to build H125 helicopters. The facility will be located in Vemagal, Karnataka, marking a new chapter in indigenous helicopter manufacturing.
The “Made in India” H125 is set to serve both civil and defence markets, including a military variant, the H125M, tailored for operations in India’s challenging terrains, including the icy heights of the Himalayas. The first delivery from the Vemagal facility is expected by early 2027, with the helicopter also earmarked for export to other South Asian nations.
“India is an ideal helicopter country. A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help develop this market and position helicopters as an essential tool for nation-building,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with TATA in this venture.”
Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TATA Advanced Systems, added, “This is the first helicopter FAL in the private sector and our second assembly line with Airbus, reinforcing our capabilities in delivering both civil and defence aerospace solutions. TASL is uniquely positioned to manufacture, integrate, and test complete helicopters, enhancing India’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”
The H125, part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its high performance, versatility, and ability to operate in extreme conditions. Notably, it is the only helicopter to have successfully landed on Mount Everest. It can be configured for multiple roles, including firefighting, law enforcement, rescue missions, air ambulance services, and passenger transport.
The Vemagal FAL represents a significant step toward India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, expanding the domestic aerospace ecosystem and bolstering India’s capabilities in both civil and military rotorcraft manufacturing. Airbus has a long-standing relationship with India, dating back over six decades, including collaborations on the Cheetah, Chetak, and C295 aircraft.
The H125 assembly line complements TASL’s existing C295 military aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, further showcasing Airbus’ commitment to India’s holistic aerospace development, spanning design, manufacturing, maintenance, and skill development.
This initiative is expected to unlock new civil and para-public markets while meeting the Indian armed forces’ need for light multi-role helicopters, reinforcing India’s strategic and technological self-reliance in aviation.
