Airbus is building the first H125 helicopter assembly line in India with TATA.

Airbus Helicopters has revealed that it is collaborating with the Tata Group to set up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the nation, which is a significant step toward promoting “Made in India.”

From its civil range, Airbus‘ best-selling H125 helicopter will be produced by the FAL for India and exported to some of the neighboring countries.

The Government of India’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) project will benefit greatly from the FAL, which will be the first private sector establishment of a helicopter manufacturing plant in India. As part of this agreement, Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group company, will establish the facility.

The key component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system, and engine integration will all be handled by the FAL in India. Additionally, it will test, qualify, and ship the H125 to clients in the vicinity of India. The first “Made in India” H125 deliveries are anticipated to start in 2026, and the FAL will take 24 months to set up. Airbus and the Tata Group will decide on the FAL’s site together.

Among single-engine helicopters, the H125 is the best-selling model globally, outperforming other helicopters in its class. This adaptable, high-performing helicopter is part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has flown at than 38 million hours globally. It is capable of functioning in extremely hot and humid conditions and is readily adaptable to a wide range of tasks, such as aerial operations, law enforcement, firefighting, rescue operations, air ambulance services, passenger transport, and many more.

The H125 is the only helicopter to have made a landing on Mount Everest, proving its adaptability in harsh, high-altitude conditions. By utilizing TASL’s aerospace and defense expertise, Airbus plans to create its second FAL in India, a helicopter manufacturing facility. The C295 military transport aircraft FAL is being constructed in Vadodara by the two businesses.