Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have signed an agreement to establish a final assembly line (FAL) in India for single-engine H125 helicopters.

According to an official press release from Airbus, the FAL will be the first instance of the private sector establishing a helicopter assembly facility in India. This facility will be responsible for producing Airbus' best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and neighbouring countries.

The contract was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, as stated by Airbus and TASL. The plan for the FAL was initially revealed on January 26 by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran. The first deliveries of the 'Made in India' H125 helicopters are expected to begin in 2026.

The FAL will handle the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, engines, avionics and mission systems. Additionally, it will test and certify the helicopters.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL, in a company statement, said, “We are pleased to partner with Airbus to establish the final assembly line for H125 helicopters in India.”

He added, "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."

Singh also noted that the project will enhance helicopter manufacturing capabilities in India and support the growth of civil aviation.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said, "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.”

He added, "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."

Helicopters assembled at this FAL will be delivered to customers in India and neighbouring countries. TASL and Airbus are in the process of finalising the location for the FAL, which will be announced shortly. The H125, part of Airbus' Ecureuil family, is recognised as the world's best-selling single-engine helicopter, with over 40 million flight hours globally.

The H125 can operate in high-altitude, extreme environments and can be reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport. It is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in high-altitude operations.

Image source: Airbus