JNS: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India. This collaboration marks the first time a private sector company will set up a helicopter assembly facility in India, aimed at producing Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter for India and neighboring countries.
The contract was formalized at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The initiative was initially announced on January 26 by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran.
“We are pleased to partner with Airbus to establish the final assembly line for H125 helicopters in India,” said Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL. “This collaboration aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and addresses India’s growing helicopter market potential.
The project will enhance helicopter manufacturing capabilities in India and support the growth of civil aviation.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the importance of the Indian market: “India is a country with great potential for helicopters. We believe that a ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter will open new civil and parapublic markets. We are delighted to embark on this pioneering journey with our trusted partner, the Tata Group.”
The FAL will handle the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, and various other systems, including electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. It will also conduct testing and qualification of the helicopters.
Helicopters assembled at this facility will be delivered to customers in India and neighboring countries, with the first deliveries expected to commence in 2026. The exact location of the FAL will be announced soon.
The H125, a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, is renowned for its high performance and versatility, having accumulated over 40 million flight hours worldwide. It is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its capability to operate in extreme environments. The H125 can be reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport.
