In a significant development, Tata Group and Airbus have joined hands to establish a pact for the manufacturing of civilian helicopters in Bharat. This collaboration was solidified during the Republic Day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the country. The deal involves setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) that will produce Airbus’ popular H125 helicopter from its civil range, catering to both the Indian market and neighboring countries.
This partnership marks a historic moment as it establishes the first instance of the private sector initiating a helicopter manufacturing facility in Bharat. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, will play a pivotal role in setting up the facility in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters.
The Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India will be responsible for integrating major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, and other crucial elements of the helicopter. Additionally, it will handle testing, qualification, and the delivery process. The FAL is expected to be operational within 24 months, with the first ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters slated for delivery in 2026. The specific location of the FAL will be jointly determined by Airbus and the Tata Group.
This proposed helicopter manufacturing facility will be the second Final Assembly Line established in India by Airbus, leveraging the aerospace and defense capabilities of TASL. The companies are already collaborating on the C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, emphasized the importance of helicopters for nation-building and expressed confidence that a ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter would be symbolic of the country’s progress. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector, highlighting its potential for both the Indian and export markets.
The H125 helicopter, known for its versatility and high performance, is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter and part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family. It has demonstrated its capabilities by landing on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in high-altitude and extreme environments.
This collaboration is aligned with Airbus’s broader efforts to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem in India, encompassing aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaboration to foster human capital in the aerospace sector. The initiative aims to unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in India and contribute to the country’s aerospace industry.
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