As India’s aviation sector soars to new heights, global aerospace giants are turning to the country not just as a market — but as a manufacturing powerhouse.

In a move that aligns perfectly with the nation’s ‘Make in India’ vision, Airbus Helicopters has joined hands with Mahindra Aerostructures to manufacture the main fuselage of the H130 helicopter right here in India.

This prestigious contract awarded to Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL) marks a major milestone — not just for Mahindra, but for India’s growing influence in the global aerospace supply chain.

Under the agreement, Mahindra will manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130, a light single-engine helicopter known for its performance in tourism, business aviation, medical airlift, and surveillance roles. Once completed, the fuselage assemblies will be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Europe for final integration.

Industrialisation will begin immediately, and the first cabin assembly is expected to be delivered by March 2027.

Why This Partnership Matters for India’s Aerospace Industry

This isn’t Mahindra’s first collaboration with Airbus — it already supplies various parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus commercial aircraft programs. But this new contract elevates Mahindra’s capabilities, expanding its portfolio into larger and more complex aerostructures.

From Airbus’ perspective, India is both a strategic resource hub and a major market. Every Airbus commercial aircraft flying today contains components made in India. Currently, the company’s annual procurement from India stands at $1.4 billion, a figure expected to rise as local partnerships deepen.

The H130 Helicopter: A Versatile Powerhouse

The H130 itself is a versatile and powerful helicopter with a wide, unobstructed cabin that fits up to seven passengers and a pilot, offering excellent visibility thanks to its wraparound windscreen and large side windows. Its quiet operation, advanced avionics, and cutting-edge materials make it a preferred choice across a variety of missions.

Airbus’ Growing Footprint in India

This development comes shortly after Airbus’ other major helicopter initiative in India — a partnership with the Tata Group to establish the country’s first Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters. That facility will produce the H125 from Airbus’ civil range for both Indian and export markets.