Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Friday that the collaboration between Tata Group and Airbus to establish India's first private sector Helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for producing H125 helicopters marks a significant milestone in promoting indigenous manufacturing. Scindia noted that this partnership will provide a major boost to the economy, create diverse opportunities for employment, unlock the potential of the Indian aerospace sector, and strengthen Indo-France relations.
The collaboration involves Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, and Airbus Helicopters setting up the FAL in India. The facility will produce Airbus' best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries.
The FAL in India will handle the integration of major components, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. It will also conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 helicopters to customers in India and the region. The setup is expected to take 24 months, with deliveries of the first 'Made in India' H125 helicopters anticipated to begin in 2026.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, emphasized that the helicopter final assembly line reaffirms Airbus' commitment to developing the aerospace ecosystem in India. This marks the second final assembly line that Airbus is establishing in India, following the 'Make in India' C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India's first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. He highlighted the significance of a 'Made-in-India' civil helicopter as a symbol of New India's confidence and stressed its potential to unlock the helicopter market in the country.
The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group. This collaboration is expected to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making Indian aviation self-reliant (#Atmanirbhar) and promoting the #MakeInIndia initiative.
(With Agency Inputs)
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