Airbus, Tata to Build Make in India Choppers by 2027

• Airbus and Tata to deliver first 'Made in India' H125 by 2027
• Proven globally, adaptable for rescue, law enforcement, and more
• Includes H125M military variant; Airbus' second major plant in India

Airbus Helicopters is teaming up with Tata Advanced Systems to set up an FAL for the H125 utility helicopter in Karnataka. Delivery of an H125 helicopter, a "Made in India" product, is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Airbus is also considering exporting the aircraft to South Asia.

The H125 forms part of the Airbus family of Ecureuil helicopters, which hit the significant milestone of 40 million flight hours having proved its ability to operate under severe and high-altitude conditions. The Airbus Tata partnership marks a major boost for Make in India helicopters, strengthening India aerospace manufacturing with advanced technology.

The H125 is quickly convertible for several roles, including, but not limited to, air ambulance, firefighting, aerial work, law enforcement, passenger transport, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, and tourism.

Besides, it is the only helicopter that has ever landed on Mount Everest, a testimony to its versatility and reliability. The Tata Airbus chopper deal aims to scale up helicopter production India 2027, supporting both civilian and military needs.

According to Airbus, the H125M military variant would also be produced in India, with very high levels of indigenisation in the components and technology involved. Tata Advanced Systems would do the manufacturing and testing of the aircraft, from assembly and system integration to final test flights before delivery.

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Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia stated, "India is an ideal helicopter country. A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help develop this market and position helicopters as an essential tool for nation-building. We are extremely glad to be adding this new chapter to our multi-faceted relationship with our trusted partners Tata".

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited added, "Tata Advanced Systems is proud to be the first private sector company in India to build helicopters. This will bolster both civil and defence requirements. This is our second FAL in collaboration with Airbus".

Indian-made H125 will become a crucial resource for carrying out critical services such as ambulance services, disaster management, and policing, while at the same time enhancing broader skill sets within the Indian aviation industry.

For over sixty years, Airbus has had a record of presence in India, first entering into collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the manufacture of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The H125 assembly line, thus, will be the second facility producing Airbus aircraft with the collaboration of Tata Advanced Systems after the C295 military transport aircraft production facility at Vadodara in Gujarat-further accelerating aerospace manufacturing in India.