Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have finalized an agreement to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India, marking the first private sector initiative to set up a helicopter assembly facility in the country. The FAL will manufacture Airbus' popular H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and neighboring countries, as stated in an official press release from Airbus.

According to Airbus, TASL, a prominent player in India's private aerospace and defense sector, will manage the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, engines, avionics, and mission systems at the FAL. Additionally, the facility will be responsible for testing and certifying the helicopters.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting TASL's expertise in airborne platforms and its alignment with India's 'Make in India' initiative. He emphasized that the project will bolster India's helicopter manufacturing capabilities and support the growth of civil aviation.

The FAL is expected to commence deliveries of the first 'Made in India' H125 helicopters in 2026, benefiting Indian customers and those in neighboring nations, according to the release.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even commented on the potential of the Indian market for helicopters, stressing the strategic significance of producing 'Made in India' H125 helicopters. He anticipated that locally assembled helicopters would expand into new civil and parapublic markets, including emergency medical services and other public services.

The location of the FAL in India is yet to be officially announced, although Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems have progressed significantly in this regard.

The H125 helicopter, part of Airbus' Ecureuil family, is noted for its versatility and performance, having accumulated over 40 million flight hours globally. It is capable of operating in high-and-hot environments and extreme conditions, with adaptable configurations for various missions such as aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue operations, air ambulance services, and more.