Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has inaugurated India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 at Vemagal in Karnataka, marking a significant step in India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions.
The facility was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The event in Vemagal was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin, and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with senior leadership from TASL and Airbus Helicopters.
The partnership marks the first time India’s private sector will undertake manufacturing, integration, testing and maintenance of a rotary-wing platform domestically. The facility will build the civil H125 and potentially its military variant, H125M, with deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ helicopter expected in early 2027.
“We are proud to establish the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line, a first in the private sector in India— a landmark step in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence. This facility reflects the growing depth of India’s industrial capabilities and the strength of our long-standing partnership with Airbus. Together, we are contributing to the creation of a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.
“The inauguration of the H125 FAL is a defining step towards India’s civil and defence sovereignty when it comes to vertical lift capabilities. By establishing this facility with the Tata Group, Airbus is offering the Indian market a versatile and competitive platform with unrivaled performance that is ‘Made in India’ and tailored for missions across the country’s unique topography,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The FAL will also be able to produce the military version H125M with a level of local manufacturing that ensures the Indian forces remain mission-ready at all times. It will also be a game-changer for the development of the civil helicopter market,” he added.
