Private Sector Participation in Defence Helicopter Manufacturing in India

Context

India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line was inaugurated at Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka to manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.

Key Entities Involved

• Tata Advanced Systems Limited
• Airbus
• France
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

About the Facility

• Location: Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka
• Type: Private sector Final Assembly Line
• Product: Airbus H125 single engine helicopter
• Initial annual capacity: 10 helicopters
• First delivery expected: Early 2027
• Will serve Indian and South Asian markets
• This becomes the fourth global production site for the H125 after France, USA and Brazil.

About H125 Helicopter

• One of the world’s best selling single engine helicopters
• Over 4,300 units flying globally
• Certified under European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards
• Designed for high altitude and rugged terrain operations

Military Variant

• H125M version proposed
• Seen as a successor to Cheetah and Chetak helicopters
• Suitable for:
  • Tactical reconnaissance
  • High altitude logistics
  • Search and rescue
  • Medical evacuation

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