Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Launch India’s First Private Helicopter Assembly Line
NEW DELHI—Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) are set to establish India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, Karnataka, to produce the Airbus H125. The project marks a major step in India’s aerospace ambitions, with the first ‘Made in India’ H125 expected by early 2027.
The initiative will serve both civil and defense markets, including emergency medical flights, disaster relief, tourism, and law enforcement. A military variant, the H125M, will also be produced with high levels of indigenous components to support India’s armed forces, particularly in high-altitude missions.
This venture expands Airbus and Tata’s partnership, following their joint facility for the C295 military aircraft in Gujarat. It also underscores Airbus’ deepening investment in India, where it already sources $1.4 billion in components annually.
The H125, Airbus’ best-selling single-engine helicopter with over 40 million flight hours worldwide, is known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments—including being the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest.
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