With an aim to increase its global footprint and bolster the Indian aerospace ecosystem—Airbus partners with Tata Group to launch India’s first H125 helicopter assembly line. The line is set for a 2026 Made-in-India rollout with EASA certification.
The French aircraft manufacturer Airbus is set to establish its first-ever assembly line for the single-engine H125 helicopter in India, marking a significant stride in its operations. It has identified eight sites in India as potential locations for its latest H125 helicopter final assembly line, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected later this year.
The partnership between Airbus and Tata Group will facilitate the establishment of this Final Assembly Line (FAL) by 2026, aiming to roll out the first Made-in-India H125 helicopter. Sunny Guglani, head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia emphasised that the helicopters produced here will meet EASA-certified quality standards, ensuring airworthiness under the oversight of Airbus helicopter experts stationed at the Indian FAL site.
The H125 model is renowned for its performance in high-altitude environments, catering to various sectors including commercial air transport, corporate and VVIP missions, as well as aerial work. With over 60 H125 helicopters already operational in India and Nepal, the new assembly line is expected to bolster local demand and eliminate the need for imports, enabling transactions in Indian rupees and offering significant financial benefits to operators, which is sure to excite and inspire optimism.
Aligned with India’s ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the FAL initiative underscores Airbus’s commitment to bolstering indigenous manufacturing capabilities and supporting the nation’s self-reliance goals in aerospace technology. The project not only aims to meet local demand but also positions India as a crucial and strategic hub for Airbus’s regional operations in South Asia, highlighting the country’s integral role in our plans.
