Tata
Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), India’s leading private sector player for
aerospace and defence solutions, and Airbus Helicopters have formalised the
contract to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India. The FAL will
be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter assembly
facility in India, which will produce Airbus’s “best-selling H125 helicopter
from its civil range” for India and the neighbouring countries.
The
contract was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. The setting
up of the FAL was announced on 26 January 2024 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. This collaboration built on TASL’s expertise in
airborne platforms, and the strength of our ongoing partnership with the Airbus
Group, 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 growth of civil aviation in India,” stated Sukaran
Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems
Limited.
“India
is a country with great potential for helicopters and we believe that there is
no better way to unlock this promising market than with a ‘Made in India’ H125
helicopter. We are confident that a locally assembled helicopter will open new
civil and parapublic markets such as the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services
and other public services, making helicopters a critical component of nation building.
We are delighted that we are embarking on this pioneering journey with our
trusted partner the Tata Group, with whom Airbus already has a multi-faceted
partnership,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The
FAL 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 and qualification of the helicopters.
Helicopters
assembled at this FAL will be delivered to customers in India and its
neighbouring countries. The deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are
expected to commence in 2026. Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters are
well advanced in their joint selection of the location of the FAL, which will be
communicated soon.
“The
H125 is the world’s best selling single engine helicopter that outclasses other
helicopters in its category. This high performing versatile helicopter is a
member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated more than 40 million
flight hours worldwide. It can operate in high and hot and extreme environments
and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work,
firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and
many others. The H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest,
demonstrating its agility in operating in high altitude, extreme environments”
stated Airbus Helicopters.