Airbus and Tata's First 'Made-in-India' Helicopter: A National Milestone

Airbus is set to launch the first Indian assembly line for its H125 helicopter in collaboration with Tata Group by 2026. This strategic move aligns with India's AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to boost the local aerospace industry and provide versatile helicopters for various missions.

By Ravi Jalhotra The European aerospace giant Airbus is gearing up to establish its maiden assembly line for the single-engine H125 helicopter in India. Sunny Guglani, head of Airbus Helicopters for India and South Asia, confirmed the ambitious project.

According to Guglani, the initial 'Made-in-India' H125 helicopter is slated for rollout by 2026, in partnership with Tata Group. "This Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce EASA-certified H125 helicopters under stringent quality assurance," he told ANI, noting that Airbus experts will oversee operations at the Indian site.

In January, Airbus and Tata Group announced this collaborative venture to build the FAL in India. The assembly line will cater not only to the Indian civil market but also to neighboring countries, providing Airbus' best-selling H125 helicopter tailored for high-altitude performance.

Guglani emphasized the H125 helicopter as a benchmark in the Indian market due to its efficiency in various segments, from commercial air transportation to special missions and VVIP tasks. "It's a versatile helicopter, and more than 60 H125s are already operational in India and Nepal," he said.

The final assembly line's introduction is seen as a significant catalyst for the Indian aerospace sector. "This project will provide financial benefits, streamline regulatory processes, and support the 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' initiative," Guglani added, underscoring the project's alignment with national self-reliance goals.

The made-in-India H125 helicopters will negate the need for imports, thereby offering cost-effective solutions for local operators. Guglani noted the extensive usage scenarios for the versatile H125, ranging from charter operations to VIP and aerial missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)