DELHI- In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Airbus Helicopters has announced a partnership with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country.
The FAL will manufacture Airbus’ popular H125 helicopter from its civil range, catering to the Indian market and exporting to neighboring countries.
Airbus Tata Establish Helicopter Assembly
This collaboration marks a milestone as the private sector in India is establishing a helicopter manufacturing facility for the first time, aligning with the Indian government’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, will spearhead the establishment of the facility in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters.
The announcement was part of French President Emmanuel Macron’s two-day visit to India during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
The FAL in India will handle the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. Additionally, it will conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region.
The setup of the FAL is expected to take 24 months, with deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters anticipated to commence in 2026. The location for the FAL will be decided jointly by Airbus and the Tata Group.
Executive Remarks
“Helicopters play a crucial role in nation-building. A ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter will not only symbolize the confident New India but also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country,” stated Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
“The establishment of this helicopter final assembly line, in collaboration with our trusted partner Tata, reaffirms Airbus’ commitment to developing the complete aerospace ecosystem in India. This marks our second final assembly line in India, following the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.”
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The Tata Group is thrilled to establish India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. This facility, in partnership with Airbus, will host the final assembly line for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter, catering to both the Indian and export markets.”
The H125, renowned in its class, produced in India, is poised to revolutionize the use of helicopters in the country. Serving as a versatile workhorse, it will transform passenger and goods transportation and find applications in emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions.
With the ability to provide last-mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Indian government’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN), further promoting the tourism sector in the country.
Best-Selling Helicopter in the World
The H125 stands as the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, surpassing others in its category. As a versatile and high-performing member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which boasts over 38 million flight hours globally, this helicopter excels in various missions.
Its capabilities extend to operating in high-and-hot conditions and extreme environments. They are adaptable for tasks such as aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue operations, air ambulance services, passenger transport, and more.
Renowned for its exceptional agility, the H125 holds the distinction of being the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest, showcasing its prowess in high-altitude and extreme environments.
The proposed helicopter manufacturing facility marks Airbus’ second Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India, capitalizing on Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) expertise in aerospace and defense. Notably, both companies are jointly establishing the C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.
This announcement aligns with Airbus’ commitment to cultivate a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, emphasizing an expanded industrial presence covering aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaborations to nurture human capital.
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