Airbus and Tata Group have signed a pact to set up India’s first helicopter final assembly line (FAL) in the private sector for the H125 civil helicopter. The deal was announced during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Details of the deal

The FAL will be established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, along with Airbus Helicopters. The FAL will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries. The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, providing a major boost to the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine. It will also do testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The FAL will take 24 months to set up and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are expected to commence in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.

Significance of the deal

The deal is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India after the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The deal is also a testament to the Tata Group’s capabilities and expertise in aerospace and defence manufacturing. TASL has been a strategic partner of Airbus for over a decade and has been involved in various projects such as C295 military transport aircraft, A320 family wing components, A350 XWB fuselage parts, A380 floor beams and A330 flap track beams.

The deal will also catalyse the use of helicopters in India for various segments such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism and aerial work missions. The H125 is a multi-mission workhorse that offers high performance, reliability, versatility and low operating costs. It is undisputed in its class and has been delivered to more than 4,800 customers in 120 countries.