India's First Private Sector Helicopter Final Assembly Line
The establishment of India's first private sector helicopter final assembly line has been announced by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with Airbus. This facility will be located in Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka, and is set to produce Airbus H125 helicopters.
Objectives and Significance
- The initiative aims to develop new civil and para-public market segments within India.
- It will cater to the Indian armed forces' demand for a light multi-role helicopter, particularly suitable for operation in the challenging terrains of the Himalayan frontiers.
- A military version, the H125M, will also be manufactured with a high level of indigenized components and technologies.
Production and Export
- The first delivery of the ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter is anticipated in early 2027.
- The helicopter will also be available for export across the South Asian region.
Strategic Importance
According to Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, India's vast landscape makes it an ideal market for helicopters, positioning them as vital tools for nation-building.
Previous Collaborations
- This assembly line represents the second collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus in India, following the C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara.
Statements from Leadership
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL, emphasized the strategic significance of the assembly line, stating that it strengthens both civil and defense capabilities in India and reinforces the partnership between Tata and Airbus.
