The Tata Group and France’s Airbus have signed an agreement to build civilian helicopters “with a major domestic content” for India, stating annual sales of $3 billion. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said Friday that together with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, these will be one step forward in opportunities for Indian private sector participation in Defence production while reducing.
This deal will involve the two firms manufacturing H125 helicopters, and this is part of several commitments made by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to New Delhi.
A later stage of the final assembly line deal involving integration is expected to include installation and contamination test procedures on major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems incorporating electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight control, dynamic components, and fuel system elements together with the engine.
It will also conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The FAL will be set up in 24 months, and deliveries of the first ‘Made in India’ H125s are to start from next year, which is, i.e., 2026. The site of the FAL will be determined in conjunction between Airbus and Tata Group.
Nation-building is impossible without the use of helicopters. “Made-in India” civil helicopter will not only be a reflection of the New confidence but also create an enabling environment to tap into true potential and capabilities that are present in this country, for realization,” says Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
“Tata Group is glad to set up India’s first helicopter assembly plant in the private sector. This will be the final assembly line in collaboration with Airbus for producing today’s most popular single-engine helicopter, which is known as The World’s Bestselling H125 Helicopter from other international markets but India. this undisputed champion of its class, H125, made in India, will promote the use of helicopters in the country.
This multi-mission workhorse will change the future of passenger and freight transportation as well as other segments, such as HEMS, disaster management, law enforcement missions, and tourism for aerial medical services.