SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s aerospace industry, Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), has shortlisted four states to establish a new production line for the H125 helicopter. This initiative marks the fourth such facility globally and is poised to enhance the “Make-in-India” campaign, as per industry insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The final assessment is focusing on potential sites in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. An announcement regarding the chosen location is anticipated shortly, with the goal of commencing production to roll out the first H125 helicopter from an Indian facility by next year. This move signifies a major step towards local manufacturing in the aerospace sector .
The establishment of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the H125 will be a pioneering venture in India as it will be the first civil helicopter assembly line set up by the private sector. Initially, the facility will have the capacity to produce ten helicopters annually, with plans to scale up production in line with market demand. Airbus Helicopters projects a demand for approximately 500 light helicopters of the H125 class across India and South Asia over the next two decades, highlighting the potential economic and industrial benefits for the region .