In a significant development in the aviation industry, Tata Group and France’s Airbus have inked a deal to jointly manufacture civilian helicopters. This agreement marks a major stride towards enhancing indigenous capabilities and localization in the aerospace sector.

The helicopters will be produced with a significant indigenous and localization component, as stated by India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra. This collaboration was announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India.

Tata and Airbus are already cooperating to manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat. The new agreement extends this partnership to the production of H125 helicopters. This venture will boost the ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program, marking the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India.

Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighboring countries.

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 conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region.

The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group. The FAL is expected to take 24 months to set up, and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are anticipated to commence in 2026.

This joint venture between Tata and Airbus is a testament to the growing capabilities of India’s aerospace sector. It not only symbolizes the confident New India but also unlocks the true potential of the helicopter market in the country.