Defence

8 Locations Shortlisted by Airbus for H125 Helicopter Assembly Line in India

Airbus has taken a significant step towards establishing a new final assembly line (FAL) for its H125 helicopters in India. The European aerospace giant has shortlisted eight potential sites for the facility, with a groundbreaking ceremony anticipated later this year.

The new assembly line will be Airbus’s fourth dedicated to the single-engine H125 model. Initially, the facility will have the capacity to produce up to 10 helicopters annually, with plans to increase production in response to market demand. This strategic move underscores Airbus’s confidence in the growing helicopter market in India.

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Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the importance of the Indian market, describing it as “the market of the future for helicopters.” Despite the current small size of the market, Michalon is optimistic about its potential, noting that the demand for helicopters is expected to grow significantly.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new assembly line is slated for October or November of this year, with the facility projected to commence operations in 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin towards the end of 2026.

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Airbus has projected a demand for approximately 500 H125 helicopters in India and neighboring regions over the next two decades. “We are targeting 10 helicopters per year initially, but as demand increases, we are prepared to scale up production to 20, 30, or even 50 helicopters per year,” said Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia.

The final selection of the site will depend on various factors, including the attractiveness of the location for industrial activities, logistics, workforce, and regulatory environment. Michalon emphasized that the goal is to find a location that offers an optimal ecosystem for these factors.

Defence

Russia’s NV.17 Hybrid Helicopter Aims to Balance Light and Heavy Helicopter Needs

As Western sanctions continue to impact Russia’s aviation sector, the country is making significant strides in advancing its domestic aerospace capabilities.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Russia has unveiled the Heliburo HB.17, a cutting-edge hybrid-powered medium-class helicopter that promises to reshape both commercial and military aviation.

The helicopter is currently in the technical design phase, with plans for its first flight slated for 2027. This marks a major step forward in Russia’s efforts to modernize its aviation fleet and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

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The HB.17 is designed as a versatile, multi-role aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of functions. It is built to handle cargo transport, passenger carriage, reconnaissance, and close air support missions. With its robust design and flexible capabilities, the HB.17 is expected to meet the needs of both military and commercial operators, offering a solution for missions requiring a greater capacity than light helicopters but avoiding the limitations of larger aircraft.

One of the most innovative features of the HB.17 is its hybrid power plant. This combination of conventional and electric technologies enhances fuel efficiency, allowing the helicopter to stay airborne for up to seven hours without needing to refuel.

This extended operational endurance makes the HB.17 particularly well-suited for long-duration missions, providing a significant advantage over traditional helicopters. Additionally, the HB.17 will be equipped with modern avionics, ensuring advanced navigation, communication, and operational capabilities.

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The HB.17 is positioned to compete with other medium-class helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-60/62 and the Mil Mi-38. However, its hybrid powerplant and modern avionics set it apart, offering a more efficient and technologically advanced alternative.

Its multi-role versatility, combined with its fuel efficiency and cutting-edge systems, gives it a competitive edge in the evolving aviation landscape. The introduction of the HB.17 follows recent reports of Russia receiving a new batch of armored vehicles from the UAE-based Streit Group.

Russia has traditionally focused on producing helicopters for defense purposes, but this time, it appears to be venturing into the civilian helicopter market with the HB.17.

This, along with the ongoing development of the HB.17, reflects Russia’s continued efforts to modernize its military assets and increase its self-reliance, even as sanctions continue to pressure its defense and aerospace sectors.

As Russia faces mounting geopolitical challenges, the HB.17 stands as a symbol of resilience, technological innovation, and determination to maintain its military and aviation capabilities.